Dougie Holmes, a sports development official, has told Herald Scotland:
“[the event] is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and our aim was to get as many children as possible to see the baton and take part. The positive attitude achieved has been sensational."
Holmes has stressed the symbolic importance of the baton. When planning a big event like the baton journey, it is important to get as much publicity as possible and the organisers of the day might have used full colour printing in Coatbridge for this purpose.
The baton proceeded throughout the region in an efficient manner, with the police playing a role. The planned timings were stuck to by and large; only the occasional traffic issue slowed things up. Athletes including gymnasts ensured that the spectators had plenty of entertainment.
Many of the individuals who carried the baton had been chosen to recognise their previous charitable efforts. For instance, one of the participants, Laura Miller, had undertaken half-marathons and a marathon in a bid to raise essential funds. She took part in the long-distance runs despite having suffered from meningitis when she was a student.
The Commonwealth Games are set to begin on the 23rd July.