Olympic excitement builds as torch relay begins
Scottish Secretary says having the Olympic Games in the UK is a chance for Scots to show their passion for sport and to seize the business opportunities that come with it.
The Olympic torch relay starts from Land’s End this morning (Saturday) and will arrive in Scotland in less than three weeks time.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said having the Olympic Games in the UK was a chance for Scots to show their passion for sport and to seize the business opportunities that come with it.
It is now 70 days until the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London (on July 27th) and only 20 days until the Olympic torch arrives in Scotland at Stranraer (on June 8th).
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said:
“The whole of the UK is getting caught up in the excitement surrounding the Olympics and Paralympics. The torch is now on UK soil and making its way towards Scotland. The week that the torch relay spends in Scotland next month will be a once in a lifetime chance for most Scots to play their part in the build up to the world’s greatest sporting event.
“Starting at Land’s End this morning, the torch relay will criss cross the UK, heading ever northwards, through Glasgow and Inverness, until it reaches Lerwick on June 10th. Shetland is where the torch turns for home and the 600 mile journey to the Olympic stadium in London, taking in the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh on the way.
“Towns and villages across Scotland will see the torch carried through their streets by hundreds of locally nominated torchbearers with inspirational stories. It will be a great chance for Scots to show our passion for sport and salute our local heroes.
“Having the Olympics and Paralympics in the UK is also a wonderful opportunity for Scottish business. The world is coming to Britain and the world will be watching Britain. There will be tourism opportunities throughout the UK this year and in the years to come. The UK Government’s business summits for 3000 global business leaders is also expected to attract more than £1bn in trade and investment for the UK.
“As our athletes make their final preparations for the Games, people across Scotland are getting ready to play their part in backing the team and enjoying an inspirational summer of sport.”