It is the opportunity of a lifetime for local champions and sports enthusiasts from around Scotland.

Glasgow 2014 organisers have launched their search for 4000 'special people' to accompany the Queen's Baton through every part of Scotland - and they want you to nominate the worthy batonbearers from today.

Each day 100 torchbearers will carry the baton for around 200m through communities the length and breadth of Scotland - each local authority area in the country is part of the relay route.

Read the full route and timetable for the baton relay here

The baton will arrive in Glasgow on Sunday July 20 for a four-day tour of the city, before being accompanied to the opening ceremony of the Games at Celtic park on Wednesday July 23.

Just before that, it will travel through Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and East Dunbartonshire.

Organisers are keen to attract a wide range of nominations for the lucky 4000, and say those selected are likely to have made a contribution to their own area.

To be considered as a batonbearer, nominees, who must be at least 12 years of age, should have met one or more of the following criteria:

- made a positive contribution to the lives of others through community sport

- undertaken voluntary work or contributed to schools or youth organisations

- contributed towards greater inclusion for disadvantaged or marginalised sectors of the community

- been a role model or mentor to young people through sport

- displayed a level of individual achievement against the odds

- made a significant contribution to their local community

Nominations open today, and can be made through the Glasgow 2014 website. You can even nominate yourself. Those making nominations will be asked to write 100 words explaining why they think the person is worthy of being a torchbearer.

A panel of judges, which will include representatives from community organisations, will select the successful nominations for each local authority area.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said it was a great way to get involved in the Games.

He 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 batonbearer."

Shona Robison, Commonwealth Games Minister, said the relay would be a good opportunity to celebrate community sport initiatives. She added: "The batonbearer public nomination campaign announced today gives everyone in Scotland a chance to recognise up to 4,000 individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to their local community, in particular through sport or their work with young people.

"Help us reward those community spirited people, from the Borders to Shetland, and let those perhaps unsung community champions in your towns and villages shine on the world's stage."

Louise Martin, Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said the baton relay was a great chance to build momentum in the immediate lead-up to the Games. She added: "Today we are making a call to action for the people in Scotland to play their part in celebrating what is going to be a great Games by nominating those unsung champions who play an important role in bringing communities together to become those very special Glasgow 2014 batonbearers."