ON your marks, get set, go – the Queen’s Baton Relay is set to blaze its way through West Fife in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.

Knockhill, Dunfermline, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay and Aberdour will welcome the baton on 26th June, as part of its 40-day, 4000-km journey across Scotland, in the countdown to the country’s biggest-ever sporting and cultural festival.

The Relay, which starts on 14th June, will involve 4000 baton-bearers and take in 400 villages, towns and cities, visiting schools, sporting facilities and leisure centres.

It will also showcase some of Scotland’s most iconic sights, such as the Forth Bridge.

It’s hoped it will encourage communities to get behind Team Scotland, get involved with the Games and participating in sport.

Thousands of people will also find out on 31st March if their nominations to become baton-bearers have been successful.

Fife Provost Jim Leishman said, “Schools and community groups across Fife are already working on a range of exciting projects related to the Commonwealth Games; about getting more active and learning about other countries in the Commonwealth.

“I will be welcoming the baton to Fife for the day on Thursday 26th June along with thousands of others.

“Events like this encourage great community spirit and it’s an opportunity for people to be part of something really special for Fife and Scotland.” By the time the baton arrives in Scotland, it would have visited all 70 nations of the Commonwealth and covered more than 190,000km.

Further highlights of the baton’s journey, as well as street-level details and the full programme of events, will be announced nearer the time.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser added, “This is a truly unique event and I am confident that residents across Fife will turn out to welcome the baton as it travels through their community.

“The Baton Relay will also give towns and villages the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recognise and honour the individuals who have made a real difference to their society.”