King’s Baton Relay to visit University of Stirling next week

The Commonwealth Games King’s Baton Relay will visit the University of Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence – next week as excitement builds for Glasgow 2026.

The Baton – which will attend around 50 events across the country over the next three weeks – will arrive on campus on the afternoon of Monday, 6 July, giving students, staff and members of the local community to have their photographs taken with the unique wooden carving.

It comes as the University of Stirling – Team Scotland’s Official University Partner for the Games – prepares to send a record number of athletes to the Commonwealth Games; surpassing the 20 who competed at Birmingham 2022. One of those athletes is Duncan Scott OBE – Scotland’s most decorated Olympian – who launched Scotland’s King’s Baton Relay earlier this week.

Honour

Speaking after launching the Relay on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Duncan – who has spent more than a decade on the University’s high-performance swim programme – said: “It's an absolute honour and privilege to be the first to carry the King's Baton as it makes its way through Scotland.

“This relay is about bringing communities together to share in the build-up to a home Commonwealth Games, and that's an incredibly special thing to be part of. I can't wait to see the reaction as the Baton makes its way around the country. I hope it inspires people to get involved and feel that excitement building ahead of what's going to be an unforgettable Games.”

The King’s Baton Relay launched at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 10, 2025. For the first time ever, every Commonwealth nation and territory has received their own Baton for their celebrations – and all 74 Batons will be reunited at the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026. The Scotland Baton will be presented to His Majesty The King and a message enclosed inside will be read aloud to declare the Games open. 

The Scottish Baton has been designed by Glasgow-based artist Annie Graham who has carved a stunning image of scenic Scotland into the wooden Baton. It carries the word 'gather', a symbol of community, connection and celebration.

From now until 23 July, the Baton will attend over 50 events and festivals to celebrate Team Scotland, Scottish sport, the Commonwealth, Scottish culture and the Games. This year, the Relay has been reimagined, popping up at key events across Scotland every day, rather than continuously travelling through the streets.

The Relay will stop off at the University campus, at the University of Stirling sign, outside of the Campus Central building, at 3pm on Monday, 6 July, 2026. Students, staff and members of the community are invited to attend the informal, free, non-ticketed event – where photo opportunities will be available.

Celebration

Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the King’s Baton Relay to Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence at the beginning of its journey across the country. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to gather and celebrate Scottish and Commonwealth sport in what is shaping up to be a brilliant summer of sport.”

Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “The King’s Baton Relay gives us the chance to bring the Games to communities across the country, and we can’t wait to see the reaction it receives, and the excitement it creates over the coming weeks.”