Commonwealth Games King’s Baton Relay visits campus

Local children, families and University of Stirling staff and students joined Commonwealth Games royalty Dame Louise Martin and Ross Murdoch to celebrate the King’s Baton Relay visiting campus.

The Relay visited campus as the countdown to Glasgow 2026 entered its final stages, led by Dame Louise, former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and an honorary graduate of Stirling, and Ross, a former swim scholar at the University and a six-time Games medallist.

In just over a fortnight’s time, a record number of athletes from the University of Stirling – Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence – will compete at the Games – with 22 sportsmen and women representing six different countries. The visit to campus attracted more than 150 attendees and came just days after the Baton Relay launched in Glasgow, with Stirling swimmer Duncan Scott OBE – Scotland’s most decorated Olympian – taking it on a trip down the River Clyde.

Students, staff and members of the local community were among those to turn out for the King's Baton Relay.

Ross Murdoch, who spent a decade training at the University, a time which saw him compete at two Olympics and three Commonwealth Games, said: “I am incredibly honoured to be asked to be involved in the King’s Baton Relay here at the University of Stirling, a place that holds a special place in my heart.

“There’s a feeling of great excitement here on campus, with a record number of University of Stirling athletes competing at the Games this summer, and it’s fantastic to see students, staff and the wider Stirling community, including young children – our next generation of sports stars – coming out in support.

“I wish all the athletes all the best as they embark on an exciting couple of weeks in Glasgow.”

Celebration (left to right): Jon Doig (CEO of Commonwealth Games Scotland), Eileen Schofield (Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary), Ross Murdoch (six-time Commonwealth Games medallist), Dame Louise Martin (former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation), Cathy Gallagher (Executive Director of Sport, University of Stirling) and Harry Sawdon (Sports President, Stirling Sports Union).

Dame Louise and Ross were welcomed on campus by Eileen Schofield, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, and Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University. Also in attendance was Jon Doig, Chief Executive Officer at Commonwealth Games Scotland and Harry Sawdon, University of Stirling Sports Union President.

Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have welcomed the King’s Baton Relay to Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence this week. It was super to see such a brilliant turnout, with students, staff and members of the local community coming together in a fantastic celebration of sport.

“The Baton Relay visiting campus is a huge moment for the University and kick starts a super summer of sport, as 22 of our athletes prepare to compete on the international stage. We wish them the very best of luck as the Games get under way.”

See photographs from the King’s Baton Relay’s visit to campus below and on our Flickr page.

Baton

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.

Excellence

The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and the Official University Partner of Team Scotland at this summer's Commonwealth Games. Through the powerful and inspirational combination of performance sport, recreational sport, research and education, we are delivering medals on the world stage, improving the health and wellbeing of the nation, and producing the next generation of leaders within sport.

At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Core sports include swimming, tennis, golf, triathlon, football, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.