‘Fantastic success’ as 400,000 Scots cheer on Olympic flame

The Olympic Flame’s marathon seven-day tour of Scotland was hailed a resounding success as the parade headed south of the Border yesterday.

Around 400,000 people are estimated to have lined the streets to cheer as the torch wound its way around the country. Scots were praised for their “fantastic” response. Early yesterday, the torch was carried down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament by multiple sclerosis sufferer Sally Hyder. The 49-year-old, from Edinburgh, who was with her assistance dog, Harmony, was nominated for the work she does to promote the charity Canine Partners. She passed the flame to children’s sports coach Sophie Hanson, 29.

Later, Olympian Allan Wells, 60, carried the flame in Selkirk. In Galashiels, the torch was held by Chris Paterson, Scotland’s most-capped rugby player.

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Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, a Borders MP, said: “Scots the length and breadth of this country have given a fantastic response to the torch. People have lined the streets, seen it and now feel, I think, part of the Olympics. That’s great news.”

The torch returns north of the Border briefly on Thursday next week, calling at Dumfries, Annan, Eastriggs and Gretna.

l The Scottish Government paid for Saltires to be handed out at the Olympic torch ceremony in Edinburgh on Wednesday evening, officials said yesterday.

It paid an agency a sum of £1,450 to distribute the flags in Edinburgh and also at Stirling recently. The same agency was also paid to offer face painting to children at the events.

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