A number of “local heroes” from Angus will be called on to carry the Commonwealth Games baton next year.
Up to 4,000 people will be needed to carry the baton on its 40-day journey through Scotland ahead of the XX Commonwealth Games. And a message has been sent out to Angus residents to represent their areas in a landmark year for Scotland.
The first Queen’s Baton Relay was staged for the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and has been the curtain raiser to the games ever since.
The Scotland route will require approximately 4,000 baton bearers in total and an average of approximately 100 people will carry the baton on a daily basis.
Angus steering group chairwoman Jeanette Gaul spoke of a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to take part in the games.
“We all know local heroes who work tirelessly and often with little recognition,” she said.
“Now is your chance to nominate these inspirational people from all across Angus. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to nominate their local champion.”
The call follows a meeting to discuss how Carnoustie could capitalise on the shooting events to take place at Barry Buddon.
A total of 22 representatives from Carnoustie community groups and organisations met in the Panmure Centre to start planning how the town could prepare for the expected influx of visitors and competitors to see the shooting events being held at Barry Buddon’s firing ranges next year.
It is expected around 500 athletes, plus support staff, will compete at the events, which will run from June 25-29 and could attract around 2,500 visitors per day.
Groups represented included the Golf Links Management Committee, Angus Council, Carnoustie Community Council, Carnoustie Development Group, Carnoustie Gala Committee, Carnoustie High School and town councillors.
Ideas included making use of a site in the middle of town earmarked for development by the Carnoustie Centre Action Group.
Other ideas included staging a beer and music festival, a funfair, expanding tourist information services, a flag parade and other ideas the local community planning team will present later.
People have until November 22 to nominate their own local champions.
Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “It could be a sports coach, a young athlete, a volunteer worker, an inspirational teacher, someone who has achieved remarkable things against the odds.
“Nominating baton bearers is your way of thanking those inspirational people in your area.”
Some of the first participants in the Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace backed the appeal.
Julie McElroy, who has tried out all 17 of the Commonwealth sports, said: “It was such a privilege to be carrying the baton alongside Sir Chris Hoy and Alan Wells. It felt like a dream being there.”
Visit www.glasgow2014.com to make nominations.