Olympic torch concludes its 145-mile journey to Scotland's capital

The Olympic torch has completed its 145-mile journey to Scotland’s capital city.

Wednesday's procession marked the 26th day of the torch's marathon relay over the length and breadth of the UK.

The torch started its day by crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course at St Andrews.

Record-breaking cyclist and adventurer Mark Beaumont, 29, then carried the torch along the town's North Street.

The round-the-world cyclist, who also kick-started the relay in St Andrews, held the torch aloft while pedalling across the bridge to meet the waiting crowd.

The occasion was "fantastic fun", he said.

"When I was asked to cycle across the bridge, as well as starting off this morning in St Andrews, I just thought: what a privilege. I have to say, it was trickier than I thought it would be. That torch gets quite heavy after about 15 minutes. But it was just brilliant and the turn-out at the end was great."

Beaumont praised the crowds for supporting the torch procession on its symbolic journey around the UK.

"My first stint started things off at St Andrews at 7am and there were hundreds and hundreds of people there. I didn't expect that, I really didn't. It was just incredible and I think that is bringing the Games out of London. It's involving everyone and that is making sure everyone feels a part of it.

It was then used to recreate a scene from the film Chariots of Fire at the Fife town's West Sands beach.

Pupils from Madras College in the town took part in the recreation and the flame was carried by athlete Joseph Forrester, 13.

A total of 115 torchbearers carried the flame past some of the country's most recognisable landmarks on Wednesday, including the Forth Bridge, Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the Falkirk Wheel. A celebratory concert was then held for the torch at Edinburgh Castle with Scots singer Emeli Sande headlining the event.

First thing in the morning the torch was taken across Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course at St Andrews. The bridge dates back 700 years and was built for shepherds herding their sheep over Swilcan Burn that now winds through the first and 18th fairways. The small stone bridge is said to be one of the most recognisable spots in world golf.

At the Old Course, the torch was carried by Louise Martin, 65, from Dunblane, the chairwoman of national agency Sport Scotland.

She said: "Now that it's over, it's quite surreal. I can't believe I've actually done it. It's churning inside, just the pleasure and what it meant to me.

"Words can't explain how I feel to have just done what I've done with the Olympic Flame in my hand."

On the way south, the torchbearers passed through Milnathort, Kinross, Crook of Devon, Alloa, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Cumbernauld, Larbert, Camelon, Skinflats, Cairneyhill, Crossford, Dunfermline and Broxburn.

Hannah Clarke, 18, from Kinross, carried the flame in Milnathort. She was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour and has since raised nearly £10,000 for cancer charities.

Lee Hesp, 46, who supported his daughter after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, carried the flame in Crook of Devon.

The torch also visited Hopetoun House and the town of Broxburn, West Lothian, before veering towards Edinburgh.

It was carried along Slateford Road and Colinton Road, through Tollcross, towards Chambers Street, The Mound and the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town.

One of the torch carriers was 19-year-old Jodi Mcginty, of Edinburgh, who organisers said has made an "excellent contribution" to developing sport in her community.

Thousands lined the streets of the capital to see the torch pass by on what was it's last full day north of the border.

On Tuesday around 30,000 gathered at Baxter Park in Dundee to welcome the torch to the city. It arrived just after 6pm and a variety of entertainments were held in the city including Emeli Sande and dance acts.

Related articles

People who read this story also read