Queen’s Baton is on its way to a street near you

The Queen’s Baton Relay will arrive in the area on Saturday, July 19, and thousands of people will cheer on the lucky few selected to move the baton a step closer to the opening ceremony in Glasgow.

All the baton bearers were nominated by their community and many have inspirational tales to tell.

Former Kirkintilloch Olympians coach Robert Brown will carry the baton through Kirkintilloch. The marathon runner has encouraged many people to pull on running shoes and improve their health - giving up his own time for the good of others.

Lenzie resident Kirsty Hamilton has been selected for the Bearsden leg of the relay after raising over £3,000 for the Crohns and Colitis UK charity.

She was diagnosed with the debilitating disease after falling ill two years ago, but has since completed two 10km, entered cheerleading competitions and qualified as a primary school teacher.

Also from Lenzie, Ian Stevenson will be taking to the streets of Twechar for his lap of honour - in recognition of five decades of dedicated work to promote youth football in the area.

He formed Lenzie Youth Club in 1980 and at the age of 77 still coaches, organises tournaments and holds fundraising events to help less fortunate kids into the game.

In Milton of Campsie Agnes Raybould will be cheered on by her fellow villagers.

She has been a leader at the 16th Glasgow Scout Group for more than three decades, despite having undergone 17 operations on her knee over the last 20 years.

She currently wears a full plaster cast while she waits to have the joint replaced.

Kirkintilloch’s Juliet Gold will be taking part six years after the tragic death of her sister from osteosarcoma

Since then she has thrown herself into athletics, representing her club, school and Team Glasgow competitively - providing an inspiration to Lenzie Academy pupils as active schools captain.

Lennoxtown will be represented by Heather Wilson, who has dedicated 16 years of her life to volunteering for Girl Guiding Scotland in Kirkintilloch. By nurturing and shaping young women with foundation skills, she sets them in good stead for a lifetime in society.

Also taking part in front of a home crowd will be Bishopbriggs man John Watret. Despite being registered blind, John is dedicated to the local community, getting involved in church groups, Sunday school classes and giving inspirational talks.

For a full list of East Dunbartonshire Baton Bearers , and where they are appearing, visit our website at www.kirkintilloch-herald.co.uk