A GLORIOUS mix of the serious, the silly and the surreal summed up South Lanarkshire's day in the spotlight as the Queen's Baton Relay continued its journey around Scotland.

Tweeting guide dogs, gorillas (albeit the friendly, dressed-up kind) and a theatre show inside an ice cream van were just some of the unexpected highlights.

Day nine began at Lanark Loch in sparkling sunshine, with footballer David Cox the first batonbearer in South Lanarkshire.

The good weather continued as the relay made its way to Carluke, where dancers, drums and schoolchildren dressed up in the national colours of each Commonwealth country to welcome the baton into the John Cumming Stadium.

The colourful parade included the "Maltesers", a merry band of pupils from Victoria Park School for children with additional support needs.

Principal teacher Elspeth Blair said: "Our pupils have loved preparing for today, learning about different Commonwealth countries and cultures. There is a wonderful family atmosphere and lots for young people to experience."

As South Lanarkshire Provost Eileen Logan called it "a day to remember for the rest of our lives" and the sound of drums, pipes and one vuvuzela sounded out, the batonbearers prepared to run round the stadium.

Lawn bowler Betty Forsyth admitted the nerves had "kicked in". Ms Forsyth represented Scotland at four previous Commonwealth Games - most recently as ladies' team manager in Delhi - and won a bronze medal in Canada in 1994.

"It is an honour to be part of the baton relay," she said. "The atmosphere is fantastic - Scotland has taken the Commonwealth Games to its heart. We do this kind of thing very well, after all."

Pupils of the Celia Orr School of Dance performed traditional Highland dance routines in the stadium. Ms Orr was 19 when the Commonwealth Games came to Edinburgh in 1970, and she has fond memories of dancing in front of the Queen at the opening ceremony. "It was lovely and I feel very fortunate to be part of the Games again in the modern era," said the former world champion.

"The Queen was very kind. And she does like kilts. Back then, girls had to ask permission to wear the kilt, so it was quite a big thing for me to wear it.

"My pupils here today, who come from all over Clydesdale, are young athletes themselves and have worked very hard."

The baton continued to Law village, where charity champion Scott Cunningham - who has raised more than £150,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind - sported his MBE, accompanied by his own dog, Milo.

Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride was packed with thousands of supporters, as the baton wound its way around adventure playground, football and cricket pitches and even the 18th tee of the golf course.

Twins Alfie and Maisie Patterson, from Cambuslang, were a little young at two-and-a-half to understand what the fuss was about, but they joined in the flag-waving. "We just wanted to be part of the atmosphere," said their mother, Aileen.

As the penultimate batonbearer in the country park, Angus Barr had the "uphill bit" but the loud cheers of the crowd spurred him on. "I was surprised and pleased to be nominated," said the 15-year-old swimmer, from Lesmahagow, who holds the Scottish Junior records for 400m and 1500m freestyle.

His mother Annemarie added: "It would be lovely to think Angus would participate in a future Commonwealth Games - he works hard for it, up at 4.15am each morning to train four days a week. It's just brilliant to see him carry the baton."

Next the baton visited East Kilbride Arts Centre, where performers in fancy dress and Grinagog Theatre Company entertained crowds - the latter doing a show, Pokey Hat, inside an ice cream van.

Crowds packed Rutherglen Main Street for the baton's arrival, and the day ended in Hamilton, where all 106 batonbearers formed a guard of honour against the backdrop of the Mausoleum.

Kirsty Brawley, 12, from East Kilbride, watching with her sister Emma, 14, brother Fraser, 11 and mum and dad Fiona and Andrew, summed it up: "It's exciting - it feels like this is our first taste of what the Commonwealth Games are going to be like. We can't wait."