With six weeks to go before the Queen’s Baton Relay comes to Argyll and Bute, work is going on in communities across the area to celebrate the event.

On Sunday 13 July the Baton Relay will travel more than 170 miles across Argyll and Bute, from Appen, Benderloch, Dunstaffanage Castle, and Oban to Kilmartin, Dunadd, Cairnbaan, Lochgilphead, Furnace, Inverary, Strachur, and Dunoon.

Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Community and Culture said:

“Excitement is building about the baton relay and people across Argyll and Bute are working hard to make it a successful, enjoyable event.  The council, our partners, and volunteers in communities along the route are going to great efforts to make the Baton’s journey here a fantastic celebration of local baton bearers’ achievements and an opportunity to showcase Argyll and Bute to a worldwide audience. I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Celebration events and activities are being planned in communities along the route, from a hula hooping challenge, to a mile run competition to a sports volunteer awards scheme, street performers and musicians.

Arrangements are also being put in place to ensure the safety of the many on-lookers expected on the day.

The council is looking for volunteers to take part in the event as stewards. Stewards will help provide information and assistance to the public and, working in partnership and under the guidance of Police Scotland Officers, help ensure crowd safety. If you are over 16, enjoy working as part of a team, please contact qbr@argyll-bute.gov.uk for more information. Training will be provided.

More information will be available on the Queen’s Baton Relay visit to Argyll and Bute over the coming weeks on www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/qbr 

ENDS

Notes

A separate press release is available on the Sports Volunteer Awards scheme.

The Queen’s Baton Relay’s national story so far

The Queen’s Baton has travelled through 69 nations and territories of the Commonwealth (Scotland is the 70th) since its journey began on 10 October, at Buckingham Palace. Before arriving in Scotland, tens of thousands of people have carried the baton during its 248-day international journey, covering more than 190,000km around the world.

The Queen's Baton will travel the length and breadth of Scotland for 40 days on the way to its final destination - the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

For more information please go to www.glasgow2014.com/joinin