Thousands lined the streets to greet the Queen’s Baton Relay last weekend (July 5/6/7) as it passed through the Stirling area.

The baton arrived from the north down the A9 to Dunblane on Saturday on its way to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before travelling on to Bridge of Allan. Sunday morning saw the first Baton Bearer leaving Stirling Castle with handovers heading through the Raploch to Thornhill, Aberfoyle, past the Rob Roy Inn, and on to Drymen, Killearn, Balfron, Buchlyvie, Kippen, Blair Drummond and Bannockburn. The baton eventuallyarrived back in Stirling to The Peak sports centre for a spectacular evening celebration including a performance by the Commonwealth Youth Circus.

Earlier in the day local people enjoyed a full day of sports and cultural activities from music sessions to some of the 17 Commonwealth Games sport.

The activities at The Peak were organised by Stirling Council and Active Stirling supported through the Games for Scotland programme, managed by EventScotland and part of Legacy 2014 – the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver a lasting legacy from the Commonwealth games coming to Scotland.

Communities along the route organised various events to a mark the Baton’s journey. In Aberfoyle pipers welcomed the Baton, and karate demonstrations and storytelling kept the crowds entertained with similar gatherings elsewhere.

On Monday the baton travelled to Doune, Callander, Kilmahog, Crianlarich and Tyndrum before heading off on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The morning was kickstarted with breakfast rolls and coffee from Doune’s Red Lion Hotel where owner Jamie Oliver and worker David Gordon served the community as they excitedly waited for the baton.

Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said: “This summer is an exciting time for Stirling and we are now an integral part of the Glasgow 2014 Queens Baton Relay story, the world’s longest and most inclusive relay yet.

“The relay is all about celebrating our communities and honouring our baton bearers. It is their valuable and inspiring contributions to our communities that make Stirling such a great place to live. We wish all of the athletes from across the world a successful XX Commonwealth Games.” Stirling Provost, Mike Robbins said: “The enthusiasm local people have shown for the Queen’s Baton Relay has been fantastic. The four corners of the district have really turned out to welcome it on its way to Glasgow later this month. I’m sure it will be an inspiration to young and old and get people out and cheering on Team Scotland for what promises to be a fantastic event. It has been great for Stirling to take part in the Baton Relay celebrations.

“There has been a huge amount of anticipation in the Stirling area as we wait for the Commonwealth Games - with its strong sporting legacy, many of the Team Scotland athletes come from our area - and the Baton Relay is a great opportunity to celebrate that in our communities.”