Aviemore is set to welcome the Queens Baton Relay today as the procession makes a fleeting visit on its first Highland trip.
Ten eager baton bearers will be lined up and ready at 10am as the relay convoy enters Aviemore on Grampian Road to travel south through the village.
One of these will be local sporting hero David Smith MBE who returned home to his Badenoch and Strathspey home in 2012 with a gold medal in rowing from the Paralympic Games in London.
During the 45 minute parade through the village crowds will be entertained by live traditional music performed by Feis Spe with guest musicians from Donegal as part of the local activities co-ordinated by Aviemore Community Council to mark the event.
Cairngorm Runners, in partnership with Active Schools, have organised a family fun run before the baton arrives in town.
Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Jimmy Gray said: “The Baton has being carried through the length and breadth of the Commonwealth so it is exciting that it is our turn to play host before it finishes its journey at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Baton bearers, recognised for their hard work, inspiration and the impact they have had in their local communities will be taking part so I hope as many people as possible come and show their support.”
The Baton will in the Highlands for less than an hour today – but it will return next week on on Wednesday, July 9 when it arrives by ferry at Ullapool and journeys to Thurso with a visit en-route to Lairg.
The visit is sandwiched between visits to the Western Isles and Orkney.
The Highland’s full day will be on Friday, July 11 when the Baton starts out early in the morning from John O’Groats and visits Wick, Brora, Golspie, Tain, Alness and Dingwall where it will appear on stage during a special free Highland celebration in Jubilee Park.
The following day the Provost of Inverness will see it off from Inverness Castle as it travels south to Fort William, via Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus.