Wheel's in motion as Queen's Baton barges way into Falkirk

It arrived at the Falkirk Wheel by boat on the Forth & Clyde canal, visited the Kelpies at the Helix, one of Scotland's newest visitor attractions, and dropped in on Callendar Park and the 15th-century Blackness Castle.

At Denny High School there was a James Bond-themed welcome for baton-bearer number 007 - gymnastics hopeful Stephen Tonge, 17.

A substantial crowd awaited the baton at the Falkirk Wheel. The gentle slopes across from the Wheel was a sea of school pupils enjoying a few hours out of the classroom, many of them waving little baton relay flags.

A middle-aged, German-speaking couple took in the scene from a stall selling venison burgers. Nearby, entertainment included Falkirk High School's highland dance team, and a youth dance company performing what seemed like a Craig Armstrong piece.

"We're on holiday, just passing through," said Victor Greig, 62, from Macduff, Aberdeenshire, who was walking his dog. He was there with his wife Maureen."We knew the baton was generally in this area but didn't know until yesterday it was here today. The Wheel looks fantastic. It seems like a nice big event here today."

Ina Henderson, 64, of Falkirk, was here because the baton was being carried by Stuart Adams, one of the members of the Caledonia Clubhouse, with which she is involved.

"It's a beautiful day. It's nice to have an event like this in Falkirk. I thought it would be easier to find folk but it's very busy.

"It's great for the children - it's probably something they'll never see again."

Robert Harrower, 66, said: "I've come up here to see the baton and take in the atmosphere."

Mr Harrower, who was also planning to visit the festivities at the Helix, is no stranger to the Wheel, having been on it dozens of times.

Clyde, the Commonwealth Games mascot, got a rock star's welcome from the kids before the baton arrived, by boat.

The boat sailed into a dock and was slowly floated to the surface. Clutching the baton, and smiling broadly, was Derek Callahan, a well-known Scots gymnast.

"It was absolutely fantastic," he said. "It's great to have a connection back here - I was out at the Games more than 20 years ago in New Zealand and Canada. To actually get a chance, back in my home soil, is fantastic."

His father, Robert Callahan MBE, a well-known figure in Scottish and Commonwealth gymnastics, was due to carry the baton at the Helix later on. "This is a real honour for me," he said. "It is absolutely fabulous."

Down the road at Callendar park there were hundreds of schoolchildren. One young girl seemed to be carrying the baton, which momentarily nonplussed at least one of the watching journalists. It turned out to be a rather good replica. Sarah Boyle, a teacher at Westquarter Primary, said: "The kids are having a great time - there are lots of different taster sports for them to try out. They're having a great time."

Conor Gordon, 18, a Commonwealth Games Young Ambassador for St Mungo's High School in Falkirk, carried the baton around the school groups arrayed on the lawn, with hundreds of little pairs of hands desperate to touch the baton.

"I never expected a reaction quite like this," he said. "It's a great turn-out for the community, especially for Falkirk. Falkirk has got right behind it. It's great for the kids.

"It was a great experience, something I'll never forget."

The baton's day finally ended with festivities at The Helix, where families were invited to try their hand at some of the 17 Commonwealth sports, such as badminton and cycling.

At some point the baton was formally handed over to today's hosts, Clackmannanshire. Another long day awaits.

l A man has appeared in court charged with attempting to grab the Queen's Baton as it made its way through Kilmarnock.

David Robert Gartland was charged with attempted theft over the incident in the town's Portland Road on Saturday.

The 21-year-old from Newmilns, East Ayrshire, made no plea or declaration at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

He was granted bail and the case was continued.