Olympic Torch arrives in Scotland

Jun 7 2012

The Olympic torch has arrived on Scottish soil as it continues its journey around the British Isles.

The flame crossed the Irish Sea to cast its glow on Cairnryan, on the south-west coast, ahead of its week-long tour of Scotland.

The torch was carried off the ferry by Doreen Bowie and met by Scotland Office Minister David Mundell and Shona Robison, the Scottish Government's Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.

The 62-year-old dance teacher from Stranraer was piped down the concourse in a low-key ceremony at the P&O ferry port where the torch landed.

Mrs Bowie will carry the flame again on Friday, through the streets of her home town.

Ms Robison said the torch's arrival was "a chance to put Scotland on the world stage".

She said: "The Torch Relay is a chance for communities to share in the Olympic spirit and support our torchbearers. From Cairnryan, round Scotland and back to Berwick, the route has been chosen to touch as many people as possible, take in our most iconic places and showcase the best of Scotland to an international audience.

"It will be a tremendous honour for our torchbearers to carry the flame and I look forward to meeting many of those involved over the coming week and hearing their stories of personal achievement.

"While the torch will bring the Games to life for many, Scotland is of course already taking part in the Olympics, with world-class football matches at Hampden and pre-Games training camps for four nations in Glasgow and Aberdeen."

The flame will now spend seven days in Scotland, travelling as far afield as Glasgow, Orkney and Shetland, the Outer Hebrides, Inverness and Edinburgh.