Commonwealth Games: Scots flag bearer to be picked

The flag being carried aloft at the opening ceremony, now officials must choose who carries it for the closing ceremony. Picture: TSPL

Team officials will discuss candidates for the honour, with plenty of competitors in the frame after what has been the most successful Games ever for Scotland.

Judo player Euan Burton carried the flag at the opening ceremony after a vote of his peers. But the flag carrier for tomorrow’s evening’s closing ceremony is decided by Scotland chef de mission Jon Doig and the team’s management officials.

Among the leading candidates are some of the string of medallists from this year’s Games. They include bowlers Alex Marshall and Paul Foster, both double gold medallists, gymnasts Dan Purvis who won gold, silver and bronze and Dan Keatings who won gold and two silvers, swimmers Hannah Miley (gold and bronze) and Dan Wallace (gold and two silvers).

Also in the running are some members of the para sport team – double gold medallists Neil Fachie and Craig Maclean from cycling and 100m sprint champion Libby Clegg.

The two-hour closing ceremony at Hampden Park begins at 9pm tomorrow and will end with the host nation handing over the Commonwealth Games flag to representatives of Gold Coast in Australia, the next host in 2018.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “Our Commonwealth athletes have been inspirational and the people of Glasgow and Scotland will give them and all our visitors a great send-off.”

He said he believed the positive impact of Glasgow 2014 would be felt in the city for many years to come.

He said: “The ambitions and aspirations of Glasgow 2014 were greater than the Games themselves. There is a big emphasis on legacy. Facilities have been built or refurbished as a result of Glasgow 2014, both sporting and communal.”