The Olympic Torch Relay in the Highlands
The Olympic Flame reached the Highlands on Saturday 9 June, arriving at Glencoe at 12.30pm. Torchbearers carried the Olympic Flame through Glencoe, Ballachullish (12.50), Fort William (1.30pm) , and Spean Bridge (3.15) before travelling up the A82 to Fort Augustus, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit and then into Inverness at 6 pm. There was a two-hour celebration at The Northern Meeting Park attended by an estimated 19,000 people. Star of the show was award-winning Scots singer/songwriter, Emeli Sande. The torch arrived on stage at 6.50 pm, being carried into the arena by Sandra Ross from Nairn, who then lit the cauldron. In total, it is estimated that narly 50,000 followed the progress of the torch.
This figure does not include those who saw it when it visitied the World Mountain Bike Championships at Fort William and at RockNess, Dores.
On Sunday, the Torch made an appearance at John O Groats at 5.30 pm following the Caithness and Sutherland Vintage Car Rally and on Monday 11 June the Torch left Inverness at 10.30 am, passing through Aviemore (11.30), Carrbridge (12.14) and Grantown on Spey (12.54) en route to Aberdeen.
8,000 inspirational people will carry the Olympic Flame as it journeys across the UK. Nominated by someone they know, it will be their moment to shine, inspiring millions of people watching in their community, in the UK and worldwide.
History of the Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch Relay is one of the strongest links between the modern Olympic Movement and the Ancient Olympic Games, and may be considered the second most important communications tool after the Games themselves.
A very precise ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Games. It is lit from the sun's rays at the Template of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City.
The Flame is then delivered to the Host Country, where it is transferred from one Torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. It ends its journey for the cauldron lighting at the Opening Ceremony, marking the official start of the Olympic Games. The Flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games, at the Closing Ceremony.
The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay
The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay is an important part of the build up to London 2012, bringing people across the UK together to celebrate the spirit of the Games.
The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on Friday 18 May 2012. The Relay starts the following morning and will travel around the UK for 70 days. The Flame will arrive in London on Saturday 21 July, the weekend before the Games begin – with the Opening Ceremony on Friday 27 July 2012.
You can view further information on the Scottish Leg of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on the EventScotland website.