The Olympic Torch has arrived on Scottish soil as it continues its journey around the British Isles.
The flame crossed the Irish Sea to cast its glow on Cairnryan, on the south-west coast. It left Larne in Northern Ireland this afternoon, ahead of its week-long tour of Scotland.
On Thursday evening the torch was carried off the ferry by Doreen Bowie and met by Scotland Office Minister David Mundell and Shona Robison, the Scottish Government's Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.
The 62-year-old dance teacher from Stranraer was piped down the concourse in a low-key ceremony at the P&O ferry port where the torch landed.
Mrs Bowie will carry the flame again tomorrow, through the streets of her home town. Ms Robison said the torch's arrival was "a chance to put Scotland on the world stage".
She added: "The torch relay is a chance for communities to share in the Olympic spirit and support our torchbearers. From Cairnryan, round Scotland and back to Berwick, the route has been chosen to touch as many people as possible, take in our most iconic places and showcase the best of Scotland to an international audience.
"It will be a tremendous honour for our torchbearers to carry the flame and I look forward to meeting many of those involved over the coming week and hearing their stories of personal achievement.
"While the torch will bring the Games to life for many, Scotland is of course already taking part in the Olympics, with world-class football matches at Hampden and pre-Games training camps for four nations in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
"With just 50 days to the Games, the torch's arrival is a prime opportunity to put Scotland on a world stage by celebrating our sporting success, presenting Scotland as a destination for investment, tourism and culture, and demonstrating Scotland's capability as an events destination."
The flame was transferred to the ferry in Larne, Northern Ireland, following a five-day journey during which it visited the Giant's Causeway and the historic cities of Londonderry, Belfast and Dublin in the Irish Republic as a symbol of the Northern Ireland peace process.
Comedian Patrick Kielty, former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon and Olympic hockey gold medallist Stephen Martin carried the torch on Thursday's 118 mile route. It was also taken by boat across Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, in turbulent water.
The flame will now spend seven days in Scotland, travelling as far afield as Glasgow, Orkney and Shetland, the Outer Hebrides, Inverness and Edinburgh. It will head south across the border into Northumberland on June 14.
The Scottish leg of the relay will get under way tomorrow morning - as the torch winds its way from Stranraer to Glasgow. Thousands of people are expected to gather to send the torch on its way at 6am.
Runners from Stranraer include soldier Ross McClelland, from Ayr. The 20-year-old A Company 2 Scots soldier returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan earlier this year. The torch will end its first leg in Scotland on Friday night in Glasgow.
Shadow Scottish secretary Margaret Curran said: "It is great that the torch is in Scotland and travelling so widely in cities, towns and villages and on the islands. It will be a great showcase for Scotland and boost tourism. I am particularly proud that some of my constituents will be carrying the flame through Glasgow.
"Getting so many local heroes to carry the torch was definitely the right thing to do, because these Games are going to be such a great event for the whole country. I have a good feeling about Team GB and am certain we will see outstanding Scottish athletes on the podiums winning medals.
"Every Olympics is a great occasion for the whole country, but hosting this one makes it the most special in most people's lifetimes."
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