DUNDEE is changing.

Its famed industrial past, so heavily reliant on jute, jam and journalism, is morphing into something new and exciting.

A £1 billion waterfront regeneration - with the V&A museum at its heart - should ensure that, in the future, the City of Discovery is better known for its cultural credentials than condiments or clothing.

Every chance to show evidence of a renaissance is being welcomed and the arrival of the Queen's baton provided the latest opportunity for the city to put on a show - one that was grasped with no little gusto.

Local sporting heritage may be largely confined to Dundee's two football teams, who famously ply their trade on opposite sides of the same street, but the city's residents are ready for change and, it would seem, are enthused about the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

Arriving at Broughty Ferry Castle, there was a healthy turnout to welcome the baton to Tayside.

One local there by accident rather than design was somewhat perplexed, telling me he simply couldn't understand why so many people had turned out to "look at a bit of metal".

However, it was not a sentiment that was repeated as the day progressed.

There had been fears - quite understandable - that the kind of excitement generated by the arrival of the Olympic Torch just two years ago would mean the baton tour, not to mention the games themselves, would live in something of a shadow.

But the evidence on the ground is very different.

Dundonians are born with a healthy dose of cynicism, yet on every step of yesterday's baton route there was an overriding sense of optimism.

The city council, so used to battling negative headlines over drug abuse and high teenage pregnancy levels, was determined to put on a show.

As Lord Provost Bob Duncan put it, Dundee was committed to showcasing a "colourful celebration of the Commonwealth".

It did just that, the baton's circular route around the city finishing with a song and dance in the City Square.

But in between its arrival in "the Ferry" (having been carried over the water from Fife by speedboat) and the spirited finale, there was a long and winding road mapped out for the baton.

Gladly borne by more than 100 people nominated for the honour, it took in famed landmarks (or should that be watermarks?) such as the RSS Discovery and the HM Frigate Unicorn.

Cheered along by healthy crowds of locals at many points - though the route was notably quieter at others - the baton also passed through Camperdown Park, named after the Battle of Camperdown during which Dundee-born naval hero Admiral Duncan triumphed over the Dutch fleet in 1797.

Many sporting stars will be hoping they notch their own memorable victories at this summer's Games - although few are likely to be gifted the kind of fortunes bestowed on Duncan (he was ultimately awarded a £3000-a-year pension, an enormous amount at the time).

The baton also received a warm welcome at Magdalen Green, with pupils from Blackness Primary among those on hand to provide a rapturous reception.

Other notable points on the route through the City of Discovery included the McManus art gallery and museum, the Olympia swimming pool and Dundee Science Centre, where youngsters from a local nursery engaged in a "penguin dance" with local police officers, joined by a giant penguin.

There was genuine enthusiasm for yesterday's leg of the baton relay and a real sense of pride among Dundonians as it passed through their city.

The games themselves may be centred on Glasgow but there will be much to enjoy further north.

About 500 competitors will be accommodated in Dundee's waterfront hotels and the shooting events will be staged just a few miles down the road at the Barry Buddon range.

Yesterday's relay leg proved Dundee's residents are more than ready and willing for the great Games spectacle to begin.