Baton's journey through the Hebrides

The Queen’s Baton sailed away today on the MV Isle of Lewis for its voyage to Ullapool, the next leg of its north of Scotland odyssey.

On Tuesday, it had been transported by air, sea and land, hopping across islands from Barra to the Butt between dawn to dusk.

After arriving off the ferry from Barra, the baton - which contains the Queen’s message to the Glasgow 2014 games - was piped onto Eriskay soil by kilted bagpiper Seumas Campbell.

The piper was then commandeered to pose for photos by Prince Charlie’s Beach, the sandy spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot in Scotland in 1745 to gather support for the ill-fated Jacobite Rising.

Seeds of Sea Bindweed thrived after dropping from the would-be king’s pocket, the legend goes, and the flower is not found elsewhere in the Western Isles.

Many of Eriskay’s 140-strong population gathered at the small harbour were overjoyed when the baton was relayed round the crowd.

Later, hot coffee and bacon rolls were on hand from 8am to nourish the crowd at Daliburgh in South Uist.

Children waved specially made Harris Tweed flags - some 2,000 were made to celebrate the island events

The flags showcase the official Glasgow 2014 Harris Tweed cloth, designed by Ken Kennedy from Harris Tweed Hebrides to reflect the hues of the islands lochs, sea and skies. The cloth will be used in uniforms worn by games officials during the Glasgow events.

Applause from people lined along the village road, welcomed Ronnie Macphee as he set off as the first bearer of the day.

The 45-year-old of Lochcarnan who works with QinetiQ at the South Uist rocket range was nominated for his 15 years voluntary service with the district’s Iochdar Junior Youth Club.

Ronnie said: “I was really proud to be holding it. I am honoured to have been nominated as a baton bearer.

He was pleased the Queen’s Baton visited the southern end of the Outer Hebrides as they were missed out when the “Olympic torch didn’t come to the Uists so we are proud the Commonwealth baton has.”

Ronnie’s young daughter Stephanie said it was “phenomenal” when her dad was selected.

She revealed he “really excited” when his bearer’s outfit arrived but was “nervous” on the day.

The baton tour also took in Benbecula and hopped over to North Harris on its way to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, the furthermost northerly point in the Hebrides.

Hundreds attended the finale event in Stornoway town centre last night with baton bearers running laps between Porter’s Lodge and North Beach Street.

Back Gaelic Choir took the stage to sing the Gaelic version of the Commonwealth Games anthem.

Jugglers and acrobatics gave a spectacular circus theatre show to the crowds in Perceval Square and local bands performed until 10.30pm.

Queen’s baton dawn-to-dusk island-hopping journey 9/7/14

Ronnie Macphee shows the baton to his daughter