Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

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fter the fractious introspection and months of angry debate about what it means to be Scottish, the people of Scotland enjoyed a well-deserved break from it all last night – as they welcomed the world.

And by the end of an exuberant, good-humoured, periodically chaotic evening – starring everyone (and everything) from a giant haggis, cabers, golf clubs, a gay wedding, 41 Scottish terriers, Rod Stewart, rousing cheers for the Queen and lashings of self-deprecation – Scotland seemed to have answered her own question.

All of the above, we can safely say, encompass what it means to be Scottish. Quite what last night’s opening of the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow means for that referendum campaign, on the other hand, is anyone’s guess.

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'THE BONDS THAT UNITE:' THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE TO THE COMMONWEALTH

 

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The Queen spoke of the 'shared ideals and ambitions' of the Commonwealth when she delivered the message which has travelled the world in the Games' baton relay.

She highlighted the 'bonds that unite' the 71 nations and territories when she formally declared the 20th Commonwealth Games open.

In an address directed at all the athletes competing in the Games, she made special reference to the young people of the Commonwealth, saying they are entrusted with its values and future.

The message, which was kept secret until tonight, has circled the globed over the last nine months, since the Queen placed the paper inside the baton which then visited all 71 locations.

Reading the message, the Queen said: 'At Buckingham Palace last October I placed this message into the specially-crafted baton and passed it to the first of many thousands of baton-bearers. Over the past 288 days the baton has visited all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, crossing every continent in a journey of more than 100,000 miles.

'The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth and serves as a reminder of our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family.

'And now, that baton has arrived here in Glasgow, a city renowned for its dynamic cultural and sporting achievements and for the warmth of its people, for this opening ceremony of the Friendly Games.'

The Queen, in her role as head of the Commonwealth, sent her best wishes to the competing athletes when she addressed the opening ceremony at Glasgow's Celtic Park.

She said: 'To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours. Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us.

'You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future.

'I offer my sincere thanks to the many organisations and volunteers who have worked diligently to bring these Games to fruition, and indeed to the spectators here in the stadium and to the millions watching on television. Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations.

'It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open.'

  

BARROWMAN'S GAY KISS

 

John Barrowman, the Scottish-American actor, singer, dancer and presenter, kissed one of the performers during the ceremony. 

In what was seen as a clear message to the 42 countries of the Commonwealth where it is still a crime to be gay, Glasgow-born Barrowman reached out to kiss the man before holding his hand during a sequence to celebrate Gretna Green.

Barrowman is openly gay and married.

Comment:

It’s a shame  that a wonderful celebration of the cultural variety that is the Commonwealth was hijacked by Gay Rights, although I believe that it shouldn’t be a crime to be gay,  there isn’t need to push Gay Rights into focus.  Hoping that someone’s Gay Kiss is going to pressure other countries to de-criminalise homosexually is a fallacy and foolishness. I believe that’s not okay to be gay.