THE sun came out for day three of the Queen's Baton Relay in Scotland - and so did film and television star Brian Cox as the baton travelled from Loanhead to Dalkeith Country Park, taking in Roslin, where Cox took his turn as one of the baton-bearers.

In front of cheering crowds, the Emmy-award winning Cox, who has starred in films such as The X Men and two Jason Bourne movies, undertook a leisurely jog to carry the baton up to the doors of the town's famous Rosslyn Chapel, where he was met by children from Roslin Primary School.

One of the pupils, 11-year-old Lauren McNiven, from Loanhead, was playing the role of Lady St Clair, wife of the 15th century founder of the medieval chapel. It was a moment that clearly appealed to the 68-year-old actor's sense of the theatrical.

He said afterwards: "That was fantastic, it's beginning to kick in. It was surreal to say the least. I didn't even know what I was wearing when I turned up today, then I was handed this package with the trousers too big and the shirt a bit too wee.

"I was delighted to be asked and in particular because of Rosslyn Chapel. You couldn't get a better gig. I mean the sense of theatre! South Queensferry is great and so is the (Forth) bridge, but Rosslyn Chapel - it's the business, and it appeals to my sense of drama."

One person missed Cox's walk-on part in this little piece of history, however - the actor's young son, who was still jetlagged after only recently arriving from America and was asleep at the time of his father's big moment with the baton, which is the Commonwealth Games equivalent of the Olympic torch.

In Penicuik, the baton was saluted by a pipe band outside Glencorse Barracks, home to the Royal Highland Fusiliers, before making its way into the town proper.

Among the onlookers enjoying the sights and the sunshine was 63-year-old Christina Colligan. She said: "I came out because of the weather and to give the baton bearers support. We want to let them know we believe in what they are doing."

With her was friend, Fumiko Inkster, 65, who said: "I saw the Olympic torch coming through Penicuik (in 2012) and had a great time so I thought I would come out again."

Outside Penicuik High, several hundred people had gathered, including pupils from the school and from the nearby Sacred Heart and Cornbank primaries. They had all been given mini-Saltires to wave.

Jason Rodgers, whose five-year-old son Archie is a pupil at Cornbank, was there with his two-year-old son Connor, who was wearing a Brazil football top.

Mr Rodgers said: "We were not that interested in the Commonwealth Games, but we have got more into it in the last couple of weeks. I think we might now try to get some tickets for the Games."

At the entrance to the school, the baton was handed to S5 pupil Kieran Fergusson, 15, by Susan Maitland, 57.

The pupil carried it into the grounds and up the steps, accompanied on pipes by school friend Harry Gladstone, 15, of the Penicuik and District Pipe Band.

Harry, who admitted to being "a little bit nervous" before the event, looked relieved it was over, although his performance sounded note perfect.

In Penicuik Park, the baton was carried by Jacky Yirrell, 59, who was nominated for the work she does coaching swimmers with disabilities. In the park she was given a guard of honour of sorts by the primary school pupils lining the path who, at one point, swamped her so they could touch the baton.

"That was awesome," said an emotional Mrs Yirrell afterwards. "It was lovely to walk through all the kids, it was really good fun. It wasn't what I expected but it was lovely. "

The baton had started its day at the Midlothian Snow Sports Centre at Hillend, just outside Edinburgh, where snowboarder Vaila Chapman hurtled down the dry slop holding it.

Among the other members of the 116-strong team carrying it on its journey through the area were Colin Leslie, from Dalkeith, who lost both legs below the knee in an industrial accident but who has gone on to represent Scotland at Para-Badminton at international level; Burns Scott, 85, from Penicuik; and Jimmy Purves, from Dalkeith, who founded a judo club in 1953 and has devoted most of his life to the sport.