Baton bearer John Neil of Coatbridge was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of 40.
Now 55, he has gradually overcome his difficultites, and has trained as a level two Scottish Athletics coach, level two starter marksman and a field judge. He volunteers twice a week as a coach for nine to 12-year-olds at the Airdrie Harriers Running Club, and is also a first-aider.
"At school I just thought I was thick, and it was a total nightmare. Teachers didn't know what class to put me in. It was my wife who first picked up that I might be dyslexic.
"I went for tests and they quickly diagnosed I had it big-time. They also did an IQ test at the same time, and I scored 150. I felt very relieved because it meant I wasn't stupid; ever since then my self-confidence has increased enormously."
"There are so many people who will never get a chance to hold the Queen's Baton, and I never thought I'd be one of the people who did," he said.
"If I hadn't been diagnosed with dyslexia I wouldn't have had the confidence to do this."
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