Olympic fever grips Renfrewshire as iconic torch comes to town

Jun 9 2012 by kbarrSUN, Paisley Daily Express

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Lochwinnoch yesterday to welcome the Olympic torch to Renfrewshire.

There were spectacular scenes as the tiny village became the centre of attention.

People of all ages – many of them proudly waving Union Jack flags – took up their positions as the iconic flame was carried through the streets by four lucky torchbearers.

The population of Lochwinnoch is around 2,500 – but there were almost FOUR TIMES that number of people in the village yesterday afternoon as the torch proved to be a huge attraction.

Among them was 35-year-old Duncan McCall, who travelled all the way from Newcastle to join in the celebrations.

Duncan, who was there with his wife Aileen and eight-year-old daughter Aela, told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’m from Lochwinnoch originally but am now based in Newcastle. However, when we heard the torch was going to be coming through the village, we decided we had to be here.

“It’s been a tremendous day and it’s great to see the place so busy.

“I hear 9,000 people have turned out for the event, which is great. That’s a lot more than the number we used to see at the annual village fete!”

The Olympic torch is making its way across Britain as the countdown to the 2012 Games in London gathers pace.