STV News anchor John MacKay carries Olympic torch as it enters Scotland

STV News anchor John MacKay has carried the Olympic Torch as it embarks on its first leg of an eight-day tour of Scotland.

Starting in Stranraer just after 6am, the news presenter was among 128 people to carry the flame on the 138-mile journey to Glasgow.

After arriving from Ireland, the torch was handed to 21-year-old soldier Ross McClelland, who recently returned from a seven-month tour of duty.

The relay sees the torch travel through Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Glasgow and visiting landmarks including Robert Burns' Birthplace Museum and Hampden Park in Glasgow, on its route to a night of celebrations in the city's George Square.

Sport Minister Shona Robison said: "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.

"Scotland is already taking part in the Olympics, with eight world-class football matches at Hampden and playing host to pre-Games training camps. With just 50 days to the games, the torch's arrival is a prime opportunity to put Scotland on a world stage."

Speaking after the run, John, who was nominated via presenting partner Bank of Scotland's campaign, said: "I have to say, my heart's bursting, and it's not through the exertion of running, it actually wasn't that far, it is more from sheer pride of carrying the flame and knowing what it means to so many people.

"It's been an absolute privilege, it really has."

The last torchbearer of the day is Ross Morrison, 18, from Auchinleck in Ayrshire, who was nominated through a Coca-Cola campaign. He was chosen because of his fundraising to help young people become professional athletes.

A concert in Glasgow’s George Square featuring performances by Eliza Doolittle and Emeli Sande will bring the day to a close.

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