The long road around the world taken by the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow finally reached Moray this week.
Hundreds turned out to welcome the procession as it entered Keith on Wednesday afternoon after crossing the boundary from Aberdeenshire to be greeting by pupils from Keith Primary School, Newmill Primary, St Thomas’ Primary and Keith Grammar.
The baton was carried along the A96 by ten bearers before being transported to RAF Lossiemouth for an evening event for serving members and their families.
Joining the crowds who welcomed the baton into Moray was local MSP Richard Lochhead, who said: “The atmosphere generated by the crowds in Keith was truly exciting as the baton was carried through the town to cheers and smiles.
“It was great to see so many children joining in the celebrations as well as the wider community.
“The Commonwealth Games is a national event and its arrival in Moray reminds us that this sporting showcase is for everyone in all parts of the country and people of all ages are being inspired by Scotland hosting such an international event.”
Now just three weeks away from the games themselves the baton will have a complete day in Moray today, starting out on the Moray Firth where it will be transported by RAF Sea King to a waiting RNLI launch just outside Buckie harbour.
Highlights today include at 2pm this afternoon local school children will welcome the procession at the gates of RAF Lossiemouth where it will be welcomed by the station commander.
Earlier in Fochabers between 10.48am until 11.20am the baton will make a brief halt at Milne’s Primary School where it will be welcomed by local children and the Joyful Noise choir.
Full details of the procession movements can be found on the Moray Council Website at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_news/news_93897.html.
Cooper Park will be the venue this evening for a celebration event at which the baton will be present along with Clyde, the official Glasgow 2014 games mascot. The baton leaves Moray on Friday morning after visiting Rothes and Aberlour.