Scotland's most decorated athlete, Duncan Scott OBE, was met by Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, as the swimmer kicked off Scotland's King's Baton Relay today, just 23 days before the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begin.
Arriving against the backdrop of one of Scotland's most iconic skylines, Duncan made his way up the Clyde in a Glasgow Airport Fire & Rescue speedboat, proudly carrying the Baton. He was met on the quayside by Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, as they transported the Baton to its first stop at Team Scotland's training camp at Glasgow's SEC.
Duncan Scott said: "It's an absolute honour and privilege to be the first to carry the King's Baton as it makes its way through Scotland. This relay is about bringing communities together to share in the build-up to a home Commonwealth Games, and that's an incredibly special thing to be part of. I can't wait to see the reaction as the Baton makes its way around the country. I hope it inspires people to get involved and feel that excitement building ahead of what's going to be an unforgettable Games."
The King’s Baton Relay has been going for exactly 479 days having launched at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 10, 2025.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The King’s Baton Relay will showcase the very best of Scotland to the world – from our breathtaking islands and stunning landscapes to bustling towns and cities.
"Glasgow 2026 is our opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s reputation as a great place to live, work, study, do business and visit – in front of a global audience of hundreds of millions.
“We are supporting free events across Scotland to bring communities together and give people an opportunity to get active and improve their wellbeing. I encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate what makes Scotland special.”
From now until the 23 July the Baton will attend over 50 events and festivals to celebrate Team Scotland, Scottish sport, the Commonwealth, Scottish culture and the Games. This year, the King's Baton Relay has been reimagined, popping up at key events across Scotland every day, rather than continuously travelling through the streets.
Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Today is a major milestone on the road to Glasgow 2026 as the King’s Baton begins its journey through Scotland. It was fantastic to see our most decorated athlete, Duncan Scott, bringing it ashore today and bringing it into our Team Camp.
"The King’s Baton Relay gives us the chance to bring the Games to communities across the country, and we can’t wait to see the reaction it receives, and the excitement it creates over the coming weeks.”
The Baton will also appear at a number of smaller community events. A series of plastic clean-ups are also planned as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics campaign, in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, in a bid to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways and oceans.
Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Sport said: “For 479 days, the King's Baton Relay has brought celebration, community and inspiration to 73 nations and territories across the Commonwealth. It has been a privilege to watch this journey unfold and as the Baton makes its way to Scotland for the home stretch of the relay, we are excited for the next 23 days as the final countdown to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begins.”
Each of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories received their own blank Baton to decorate, customise and reflect their unique culture.
The Scottish Baton has been designed by Glasgow-based artist Annie Graham who has carved a stunning image of scenic Scotland into the wooden Baton. It carries the word 'gather', a symbol of community, connection and celebration.
Gavin Birch-Williams, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport who provided the fire and rescue boat said: “Glasgow Airport is proud to support the arrival of the King’s Baton to Team Scotland’s Team Camp today, marking another milestone on the road to Glasgow 2026.
"During Games time we will play a crucial role in welcoming delegations from across the
Commonwealth, and moments like this highlight the importance of that connection.”
After making some stops in and around Glasgow today including Glasgow Children’s Hospital, the Baton visits Dumfries House tomorrow and heads to East Lothian on Friday.