WITH the Queen's Baton making its way around Scotland, the build up to the start of the Commonwealth Games is being felt not just in Glasgow, but in communities all across Scotland.

A host of famous faces have so far taken part in the relay, ranging from Hollywood actress Ashley Jensen to cartoon favourite Dennis the Menace and Scottish athletes such as Eilidh Child.

But as well as marking the run-up to the Commonwealth Games, the baton has brought with it the chance to celebrate local 'heroes' in communities across the country.

In Tranent, East Lothian, crowds turned out in support of Kai Wood, aged 16, who was carrying the baton in tribute to her younger brother Kyle. The 14-year-old died suddenly in April just a few days after learning he had been selected to take part in the relay.

In Clackmannanshire, the baton was carried by John Chroston, who saved the lives of his family and 15 other tourists in Thailand in 2004 by sounding the alert when he realised the country was being hit by a tsunami.

Dorothy Lang was selected to carry the baton in Dundee after recovering from two serious illnesses in three years, including stomach cancer.

The baton's home tour will come to an end in just over three weeks' time, after a long journey spanning 70 nations and territories, 190,000km and 288 days. The enthusiasm with which it has been greeted is a welcome sign of success for the Games, and for the ordinary people to whom the games belong.