40000 in-house spectators; 1.5 billion worldwide audience; 3000 strong cast. That’s not to mention the hordes of staff, volunteers and armed forces personnel bustling around Celtic Park and the surrounding areas. The Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony was a labour-intensive beast. And amidst all those hard-working folk was a small but very special group of people, who were never name-checked or … Read More

0700 – Wake up, terrified, trying to convince myself that it was all just a dream and I don’t actually have to lug a wood-metal-inspiration amalgam through Glasgow city centre without falling, crying or fainting like a corset-wearing Austen character. 0710 – Check the weather, just in case the relay has been snowed off. It’s Glasgow, folks. 0800 – Stop … Read More

Today, it was Renfrewshire’s turn to host the Queen’s Baton Relay, with the baton travelling through the likes of Lochwinnoch and Bishopton, in the safe hands of actors, Commonwealth athletes, and my good friend, Helen Rice. Helen has a wonderful story of obstacles, recovery and dedication: a story that continued to inspire me throughout my challenge as I trained and … Read More

If you’ve been following my shenanigans, you’ll know that I’ve tried almost all of the Glasgow 2014 sports now. Some I’ve fallen completely in love with; some I’ve just fallen with. And with some sports there’s been a healthy mix of both. Lawn bowls is one of those sports. I’m a theoretical bowler. I understand the concepts, I love the … Read More