BOWLER Alex "Tattie" Marshall, who was Team Scotland's flag bearer at the closing ceremony, said the celebratory parade felt just as good as when he won his two gold medals.

"Right from the word go today, when we got on the floats at Kelvingrove, I've never experienced an atmosphere like it," said the 47-year-old, who is nicknamed the "Messi of bowls".

"I've been bowling for the best part of 40 years and I've played across the world, but this send-off is sensational.

"I thought the atmosphere was fantastic at the venues but this beat everything. I've still got goosebumps - it's actually quite emotional."

Hammer bronze medallist Mark Dry said the parade was the perfect way to round off the athletes' experience.

He added: "Just like the Games, [the parade] was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The streets were packed the whole way to George Square, which was amazing.

"The atmosphere was different but every bit as good as Hampden, and as good as when I went up to collect my medal.

"It's obviously different because I've not just competed and we're not in a stadium, but it's just as positive an experience and a great way to round off the whole event."

Kimberley Renicks, who secured Scotland's first gold medal of the Games with victory in the under 48kg judo final, said: "The parade is absolutely wonderful and a really great experience."

Her sister Louise, who also won gold, said: "All through the Games it's been smiles all the way, so it will be good to finish it with smiles."