An event to celebrate the Commonwealth Games will miss out much of the Mearns in June.
But residents have been asked to “make a worthwhile trip” to see the Queen’s Baton Relay at Montrose and Stonehaven.
The Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive in Aberdeenshire on June 29 after it spends the previous day weaving its way through Angus.
However, the chance to show off “vibrant towns and villages” will be denied to the villages of the Mearns.
After starting off for the day at Dunnottar outside Stonehaven, the baton heads directly north and around Aberdeen via the likes of Banchory, Inverurie, Macduff and Mintlaw.
Mearns councillor George Carr said the arrival of the Olympic torch in Marykirk was an electric event in 2012.
While it “would have been nice” to see the baton come through Laurencekirk, Fettercairn, St Cyrus and Johnshaven, Mr Carr said Mearns residents should make the trip to see the baton on June 28.
“Of course it would have been nice to see the baton come through the Mearns,” he said. “And it would have been appropriate since it’s a Scottish event for the relay to have gone through all the parts of the country however, I appreciate there will be a timetable they’ve got to stick to. I would recommend that everyone goes to see the baton (at Dunnottar Castle or Montrose), as when we had the Olympic torch come through it was really something to remember.”
James Brown carried the torch between Marykirk and Brechin two years ago in June.
Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster said: “I am delighted to be welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay to Aberdeenshire. I am sure that people in all our communities will be keen to support local baton bearers and begin the celebrations leading up to a fantastic Commonwealth Games.
“The relay is a chance to showcase the incredible Aberdeenshire scenery and vibrant towns and villages to a global audience.
“All eyes will be on us following the baton’s global journey through the other 69 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.”
The Queen’s Baton Relay route in Scotland has been planned by Glasgow 2014 in partnership with Commonwealth Games Scotland and 32 local authorities.
The relay’s Angus leg on June 28 will begin in Monifieth and head to Montrose via Carnoustie, Easthaven, Arbroath, Forfar, Glamis, Kirriemuir, Northmuir, and Brechin.
Visit www.glasgow2014.com/batonrelay to follow the baton’s progress.