Carrying the torch for their communities

Applicants found out if they had been successful on Monday, and Russell is “delighted to represent the blind and transplant communities” at the event marking the start of the Commonwealth Games.

The philanthropist regularly appears in The Extra for his charity East Renfrewshire Good Causes — founded following a life-saving double transplant in 2007.

Russell told The Extra: “It’s an honour to be selected to represent your community by carrying the baton for such an historic event that will show the world what a fabulous place Glasgow is.”

Eastwood High school is also celebrating, as two pupils were selected as batonbearers.

Diane Barbour (17) — a member of Giffnock North Athletics Club and captain of Eastwood Girls football team — was nominated in recognition of her community sports coaching, and Erin Wallace (13) is the current Scottish champion triathlete for her age group, a member of the Ren 96 swim team and Giffnock North too.

Over on Facebook, Clarkston.com wished a “huge well done” to Newton Mearns man Willie Wiseman.

Kate Harley added that her daughter, Lauren Matthews, would be taking part, and Alison Hall congratulated dad Alan Auld on being selected.

Laura Sutherland shared the news that Robbie Sutherland — captain of the 79th Glasgows Boys Brigade — had been chosen, and Liz Bryden commented: “I’d like to congratulate my mum, Christina Bryden from Clarkston, who was nominatedfor her hard work in the community as a Brownie leader for 10 years — we are all very proud of her!”

Dave Kane, dad and volunteer coach at Carolside Primary Sports Club, was also selected.

The baton is on a 248 day journey across the Commonwealth territories, and will take in every town in East Ren on July 16, before arriving in the southside on July 22, a day before the opening ceremony.