In a spectacular end to the Queen’s Baton Relay activites in East Renfrewshire, the evening celebration was a fitting end to a day that saw the baton travel round every community in the area.

Thousands of people turned out to watch with crowds all along the route, despite the poor weather and an early morning start for Uplawmoor, Neilston and Barrhead.

The atmosphere was fantastic, with residents braving the rain to cheers from windows and the pavements.

Bearers travelled down Cross Arthurlie Street and Carlibar Road, before travelling through the Dunterlie area before visiting Barrhead High School.

The procession then travelled around every community in East Renfrewshire before arriving in the Cowan Park for a big end of day bash.

The audience cheered on thefinal batonbearer, St Luke’s pupil Mhairi High, who ran into the park with the baton as fireworks exploded all around in celebration.

Mhairi was the last of 114 inspiring batonbearers, 21 of those from Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor, to run on Wednesday. All were nominated for their dedication and commitment to sport and their communities.

The Barrhead girl handed it over on stage amid cheers and applause to Provost Alastair Carmichael.

He said: “This has been an absolutely amazing day.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people come out and enjoy the truly fantastic atmosphere.

“There was so much excitement everywhere the baton visited and thousands of people joined in the celebrations.

“They all gave so much support to our inspiring batonbearers – it was terrific to see the crowds and hear their cheers as the baton arrived in their communities.

“The evening celebration in Barrhead was the icing on the cake and everyone really enjoyed the entertainment and, of, course, the excitement of the baton arriving.

“Well done to everyone involved in the event, from our batonbearers, to our residents, to the hundreds of people who staged events right across the relay route. You’ve helped East Renfrewshire make history and given us an occasion to be proud of.

“It’s a day we will never forget.” East Ren’s day hosting the baton began at 7.30am in Uplawmoor, when Provost Carmichael accepted the baton from Provost Joan Sturgeon, of North Ayrshire, where the baton had visited the day before.

It was then passed to the first batonbearer, 83-year-old Heather Anderson, who lives in the village.

After making its way through Uplawmoor, it was on to Neilston, Barrhead, Newton Mearns, Greenbank Gardens, Eaglesham, Busby Glen Park, Clarkston Halls, Stamperland Bowling Club, Netherlee Primary, Giffnock Tennis Club, Eastwood Park Theatre, the council HQ at Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Park, Woodfarm Sports Club, Eastwood High Sports Centre, Newton Mearns Baptist Church, Isobel Mair School and Family Centre before the grand finale at Cowan Park.

The evening celebration was hosted by Heather Suttie and featured a sparkling line-up of entertainers including singers and dancers. Bags of Rock, a band made up of pipers and rock drummers, rounded off the festivities.