THE Commonwealth Games baton may weigh just 3.5lbs but those who carried it through Perthshire were entirely aware of its heavy symbolism.

In Blair Atholl, Aaron Glen was one such baton-carrier, and he admitted he loved the honour that came with being asked to run with the baton through the village, saying it gave a real sense of making history.

"I won't ever get to do that again," he said.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment. And it's great so many people in the village wanted to touch the baton. To watch so many people line the streets and cheer you on is just amazing."

Aaron is a volunteer worker and charity fundraiser - a natural choice for such a community-inspiring event as the Queen's Baton Relay.

"I feel I've been part of history today," he said, his face beaming with pride.

More than 500 people turned out, all gathered outside the Atholl Arms Hotel.

Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant was there to welcome the first baton bearer, and villagers were keen to see the likes of local schoolgirl Megan Gray grab the elm and titanium baton and run her 200-yard stretch. Megan has fought serious illness to achieve sporting excellence and raise cash for charity,

Camera crews filmed the action from trucks while locals looked on excitedly and with a real sense of community pride. Even as mist hung over the area like a shroud, the feeling was one of delight.

"I'm absolutely loving the occasion," said Murdoch Keiler, who lives in Blair Atholl. "You've got to because when are you going to get the chance to celebrate something this special ever again? The answer is never."

Baton bearer Alison Hawk came all the way from Oxford to play her part in Scottish history.

"I flew up yesterday after applying to carry the baton," she said.

"I do a lot of fundraising for charity and I guess that's why I've been chosen. But I consider it a real privilege."

The baton-relay convoy later moved on to Pitlochry where the skies opened but even the pelting rain was unable to dampen the enthusiasm of the dozens who gathered to watch their local heroes take their turn at running with the symbol of the Games.

Perhaps it was the weather or the road traffic that prevented organisers making it to Blairgowrie at the scheduled time of 3.20pm, but that only served to heighten the excitement of local enthusiasts such as Ann Sim.

"You have to support the baton carriers," said Ann, who lives in the village, especially because Mark Beaumont is a local boy and he's been with the baton all around the world, flying the flag for Scotland.

"It's really a lovely recognition for the town and the people who live here."

As has been so often the case, in Blairgowrie the baton carriers clutched the baton like it were the Holy Grail.

Each of them relished their moment and for the likes of former footballer Billy Mackay it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Again local residents lined the streets, traking the chance to be part of history, although this time the hundreds watching stretched over a couple of miles.

The Queen's Baton Relay organisers in bright blue shirts once again whipped up even more enthusiasm.

Baton carrier Brian Baxter, a military personnel officer, couldn't actually manage to break into a run because so many people were keen to touch the baton, something the carriers are encouraged to allow.

"I've been running on behalf of the military charity SSAFA," he said. "And it's been a fantastic moment. I've been in the infantry for 34 years but it's also great to give something back to the community.

"And as you can see from the people who've come here today, they really feel part of the occasion."

The procession later made its way down to Scone Palace, where comedian and BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster Fred MacAulay arrived to join the procession.

The weather had not improved by teatime.

But the smiles on the faces of the hundreds gathered proved the appearance of the baton was able to transcend climatic irritations, which included a rainy Friday afternoon in the Highlands.