A FOOTBALL hero set the Queen's Baton off on the latest leg of its epic journey.
Willie Miller turned his hand to a different sport as he hit a drive at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club to mark the start of the 265th day of the relay as the baton travelled through the city.
Golf club captain Ian Morrison was the first baton-bearer of the day, which had a particular sporting theme with visits to Pittodrie, home of Aberdeen Football Club, Robert Gordon University and the city's dedicated Sports Village.
The baton was not the only piece of silverware on display at the golf club as the Scottish Open trophy was also on the first tee ahead of the tournament, which is being held at the course next month.
Miller, who won the European Cup Winners' Cup and many other trophies during his time as captain of Aberdeen, said he was nervous preparing for the opening shot.
"It was quite nerve-wracking standing up with everyone watching but I was delighted to be part of the baton and help it on its way," the 59-year-old said.
"I was more nervous than usual teeing off, that's for sure. It's not my sport but I enjoy playing."
Despite the Games being held almost 150 miles away in Glasgow, Miller was pleased to see people in Aberdeen get behind the baton relay.
He said: "I come from the east end of Glasgow where the Games will be predominantly based so I've kind of got a foot in both camps and it was nice to help out.
"I think it's important that the whole country joins in and enjoys the occasion. It doesn't happen too often so when these big events are held it's good that people living elsewhere can feel part of it."
The Commonwealth Games do not feature golf, but Mr Morrison believes 2014 will be remembered as a fantastic year for Scottish sport in general.
He said: "I'm captain of the club this year and was appointed in May and it's one of the most memorable years to be captain, I think.
"We are hosting the baton relay and then have the Scottish Open in about 10 days. I've landed lucky if you like and it's just the most memorable experience for me.
"Golf isn't part of the Games but I don't think there can have been a bigger year for sport in Scotland with them, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and the Scottish Open here. They're massive global events and will put Scotland on the map."
The baton was carried through Aberdeen by nominated baton bearers and also travelled on an enclosed survival craft used in the oil industry, as it moves closer to its final destination, the Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony on July 23.
Olympic gold medallist canoeist Tim Baillie, former smallbore rifle champion Jim Cole-Hamilton and Neil Stirton, former sprint shooter and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, were among baton bearers on the latest stage of the 40-day relay across Scotland.
Union Terrace Gardens in the heart of Aberdeen hosted the evening celebrations last night at the end of the baton's day in the city, with swimmer and double Commonwealth Games gold medallist David Carry bringing the baton on stage.
Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: "There is a real buzz around the city.
"It is a fabulous spectacle for everyone to enjoy and remember for years to come as communities come together to cheer on the runners as the baton makes its way through the Granite City."
Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman Michael Cavanagh said: "The Queen's Baton Relay is the ultimate symbol of the Commonwealth Games and its arrival in the city of Aberdeen and journey through Scotland is an important signal to both the athletes and the public that the Games are just around the corner.
"We hope everyone the length and breadth of the country will get behind the team and play their part in what is going to be an amazing home Games."
After yesterday's trip around Aberdeen, the baton will today head for the far north, with Shetland the next stop.
It then heads back on to Moray on the mainland on Thursday and is in the Central Belt again this weekend, visiting Stirling on Sunday.
The baton arrives in Glasgow on July 20 for a three-day tour of the city ahead of the Games opening ceremony on July 23.
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