Home run for those in 2014 baton relay

Baton bearers taking part in the ceremonial Commonwealth Games relay run can do so in their home town.

Sports Minister Shona Robison broke the news after questions on the arrangements for the Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay.

She also confirmed that there would be no fees associated with being a baton bearer.

The international route was announced last week, with further details on the Scotland leg due in October.

The baton will arrive in mid-June next year to spend 40 days travelling to every council area.

MS Robison was asked by SNP MSP Fiona Mcleod to give assuran-ces that local people will be prioritised to carry the baton in their home town, and to confirm whether costs are involved for participants.

Ms McLeod said: "My questions arise from experiences of constituents as Olympic torch bearers."

The Queen's Baton Relay will visit all 71 participating countries and territories before coming to rest at the Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park.

It will leave Buckingham Palace on October 9 to travel 118,060 miles over 248 days.

The baton will average one to four days in each nation and 40 in Scotland.

Ms Robison said: "The organising committee has committed as far as operationally possible to enable baton bearers to run in their local area," adding "there are no fees associated with being a baton bearer."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk

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