THOUGH the skies threatened rain, it did not deter the crowds from gathering in Linlithgow in their thousands as the Queen's Baton progressed through West Lothian amid celebratory scenes, carried by charity workers and sporting champions.
The Baton had begun the day just after 8am yesterday in South Queensferry, carried at one point by comedian Rhona Cameron, before moving on to Broxburn.
In spite of the early Sunday morning start, hundreds turned out to see it arrive at Albyn Park football ground carried by judo star John Buchanan, who has come out of retirement to compete at the Commonwealth Games at the age of 38.
Buchanan, from West Calder, who has lost 10kg in order to prepare for the competition, was met with music from Broxburn & Livingston Brass Band and rapturous cheers from some of the children he coaches. He said the experience had been amazing but "went too quick".
The decision to compete after 10 years away from tournaments came to him while he was doing a competition for fun.
"At the back of my mind I thought that if it went well, I could think about doing the Commonwealth Games, but the thing that really spurred me was that they are in Scotland this time."
Mothers Morag Chapman and Jennifer and Linda Quigley, festooned with balloons and flags, had been drawn out early on a Sunday by great memories of the Olympic Baton relay.
"It's just great for the children," said a smiling Linda Quigley, "and my little girl's gymnastics teacher is carrying the Baton, so we wanted to be here for her."
As the Baton continued its journey towards Uphall, a constant peal of bells rang out across the town.
By the time it reached Linlithgow mid-morning, it was running slightly late, but the crowds did not seem to mind.
Hundreds lined Preston Road on the approach to the Union Canal and cheered as it appeared round the corner of the residential street.
It was then taken on board a barge on the Union Canal by Alastair Hay, 28, from Linlithgow, who competed in the Delhi Games four years ago in the 1500m. As the boat moved sedately along the water, it was accompanied by an entourage of hundreds along the tow path, their camera phones aloft.
Wearing the kilt in Commonwealth Tartan that he wore at the 2010 Games, Hay described his delight at bringing the Baton into his home town. "It was awesome," he said, a few minutes after handing it over, looking a little overwhelmed. "The crowds along the canal... I didn't expect so many. It's been a real privilege to be doing this."
From the canal basin, the throng of pushchairs and bodies grew and grew as the Baton moved down the High Street to the strains of Linlithgow Reed Band, before arriving at the Palace and the Peel (grounds), where stalls and a DJ created a carnival atmosphere.
A group of schoolgirls dressed as Mary Queen of Scots greeted the Baton in the shadow of the palace where the real Mary was born.
Elizabeth Park, Linlithgow junior bailie, was one of the Baton-bearers on the Peel, nominated for organising community events such as the town's popular annual Marches Day, which will take place next week.
"This is my turf because I'm a 'black bitch'," she said, referring to the name by which people who were born in Linlithgow are known locally (derived from the burgh's coat of arms which features a female black dog). "It's such a great feeling. It's an honour. This is a community of people who support their own."
Eleanor Buchan, who followed the Baton from the canal to the Palace, came all the way from Peterhead to watch the event, staying with her son's family.
"It's been good," she said, as the Baton left the Peel heading for Armadale.
"I'll be delighted if we get a turn-out like this in Peterhead when it comes in July."
From Linlithgow, the Baton headed for Armadale, Whitburn, Bathgate and Livingston, and was met in each town with cheers and flag-waving - but without that dreaded West Lothian rain.
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