More than 70,000 children and young people from 330 schools and nurseries across Glasgow are taking part in a citywide Schools’ Baton Relay as part of celebrations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Organised by Glasgow City Council on behalf of the Games, the initiative forms a key part of the “All In” programme, a Scotland-wide movement encouraging communities, schools, sports clubs and organisations to celebrate the Games through sport, culture and creativity.

Inspired by the official King’s Baton Relay, currently travelling across Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of its return to Scotland on 1 July, the schools’ version features 34 handcrafted batons—one for each learning community in the city.

The batons were designed and produced by craftsman Tim Norman of GalGael, who also created the official King’s Batons. Each baton has been carved from the same ash tree in Pollok Park used for the official relay.

Schools have been challenged to give their baton a unique artistic identity before sending it on a sustainable journey across nurseries and schools within their community.

The relay began at Glasgow City Chambers, where pupils staged a colourful opening ceremony. Seventy-four young flag bearers paraded the flags of all Commonwealth nations and territories through the Banqueting Hall, celebrating unity, diversity and the global spirit of the Games.