AS the Queen's Baton Relay rolled into Glasgow before setting off on its worldwide tour, the boss of the 2014 Commonwealth Games declared the show well and truly on the road.

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, said the focus for next year's Games now switches from planning to delivery - with the aim being to showcase Glasgow to the world.

The baton was welcomed to Glasgow City Chambers by 120 city schoolchildren, before setting off around the globe. It will travel through the 70 nations and territories of the Commonwealth carrying a special message from the Queen.

At Glasgow Airport, bagpipes met Bollywood as the baton left for Delhi in India, home to the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the baton's first stop on its world tour.

Dancers from the Desi Bravehearts and piper Johnny Gauld performed at the airport as the baton took flight.

The final lap of the Queen's Baton Relay will see travelling the length and breadth of Scotland for 40 days before it returns to Glasgow for the opening ceremony on July 23, next year.

Mr Grevemberg said: "So far it has been all about planning, planning, planning.

"But now we are working on delivery, delivery, delivery and the show is very much on the road.

"The baton making its way around the Commonwealth is another step in the delivery of the Games. It is amazing to think that so many people around the Commonwealth will get a feeling for Glasgow as they see the baton up close."

Before it arrived in Glasgow and later departed on the first-leg of its 190,000km, 248-day international journey, the Queen's Baton was taken to Stirling, to launch an appeal for nominations for the baton-bearers who will carry it through Scotland in June and July next year.

From June 14, next year, and for the following 40 days, the Baton will travel to all parts of the nation, visiting every local authority area.

Around 100 baton-bearers will form the relay team.

The relay will reflect the important role sport plays in Scotland by visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres and to a range of events and activities supported by the sportscotland Active Schools Network.

The event is designed to encourage communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and get more people participating in sport.

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Glasgow 2014 chairman, said: "In June and July, next year, the Queen's Baton Relay will travel throughout Scotland, sharing the excitement of the countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

"It's important as many people as possible feel part of this special moment and, from today, there's a chance for everyone to nominate the people in their street, village, town or city that they would like to see honoured as baton-bearers.

"This is a chance to recognise the efforts of everyday champions, people who make a real difference and we look forward to seeing them take centre stage when the Queen's Baton Relay makes its final journey to the Games."

Until Friday, November 22, anyone can nominate their own local champions to be baton-bearers.

Nominations can be made online at www.glasgow2014.com

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: "The return of the Queen's Baton Relay to Scotland next summer will signify the last lap in the preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"It also offers the chance of recognition for those who support their local community through sport or in other ways.

"I would encourage everyone who thinks they know of a suitable candidate to put their name forward to be a baton-bearer."

stef.lach@ eveningtimes.co.uk