Baton relay

THE QUEEN’S baton relay will pass through six Shetland communities as part of the build up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games this summer.

Organisers confirmed on Monday that the baton will visit Sumburgh, Sandwick, Lerwick, Scalloway, Aith and Brae on 1 July where school and community events will be held to celebrate the countdown to the games.

Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said he was “delighted” the baton relay is to come to the islands.

“The day will be a special one for those selected as Shetland’s baton bearers and one of celebration for the people of Shetland to support and enjoy.”

Neil Watt of the SIC’s sport and leisure department said: “I’m very pleased that the baton will visit a number of areas across Shetland. We are also developing plans to enable school children from the islands to attend one of the events.”

The relay will visit over 400 communities across Scotland. Organisers say it will encourage communities to get behind Team Scotland and use the profile of the Commonwealth Games to encourage more people to take part in sport.