Pupils celebrate end of Commonwealth Baton Relay

The end of North Ayrshire’s Commonwealth Baton relay was celebrated at a special ceremony at Irvine Royal Academy on Thursday 18 June.

Hosted in the school assembly hall, the celebration was opened with a brilliant guitar solo from Irvine Royal pupil Nathan Floyd who played his own rendition of a Pink Floyd classic. Presented by Niamh McQue, a member of Team Inspire – one of North Ayrshire Active School’s many sports and leadership programmes, the event welcomed P7 Commonwealth Champions from local primary schools.

Young people and community representatives including KA:Leisure, Ardrossan Winton Rovers and North Ayrshire Athletics Club were also in attendance alongside North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson and Council Leader Tony Gurney.

Everyone in the room has worked in partnership with Active Schools – part of the Council’s Community Learning and Development Service.

By improving access to sport and physical wellbeing, the team have an active role to play in delivering NAC Wellbeing Priority.

As part of their Playground to Podium campaign, North Ayrshire Active School’s Baton Relay has been touring our six localities since November 2025 in anticipation of July’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Designed by Arran High pupil Sam and Ardrossan Academy pupil Kaitlyn, North Ayrshire’s Commonwealth Baton was created following a school competition held in September that had over 300 entries from enthusiastic and creative pupils.

Inspired by His Majesty the King’s Commonwealth Baton relay, the winning sleek baton design was made a reality thanks to Craig Burns from North Ayrshire Youth Work who utilised a 3D printer at Caley Youth Centre to create a baton ready to tour.

The journey across all primary and secondary schools began within the Irvine locality. It was marked by an inspiring opening ceremony at Springside Primary School, before progressing through each school across the area.

The baton was then passed to the Garnock Valley, where a rich programme of sporting events unfolded, enhanced by the involvement and celebration of Commonwealth athletes including Jenna Reekie, Ben Gannon-Doak and previous athlete Eleanor O’Donnell.

From there, the baton continued to the Kilwinning locality, where community events, dedicated health weeks and collaborative activities were held, then onward to the Three Towns, where the momentum continued via engaging events, assemblies and Commonwealth sports days.

The penultimate stage of the journey then took place along the North Coast, where schools rose to the occasion with imaginative and dynamic celebrations. These included weekly Commonwealth-themed taster sessions and virtual inter-school challenges to further build excitement.

Finally, the journey reached the Arran cluster at the end of May, offering a truly unique chapter when the baton was ceremonially transported by boat from the mainland to the island. This stage was further enriched by a special visit from Finnie, the official Commonwealth Games mascot. Following these celebrations, the baton made its return journey to Arran, where island schools wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to honour both the baton and the legacy of sporting excellence it represents.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officiated the event sharing: “It is wonderful to see the baton up close once again as we conclude North Ayrshire’s Countdown to the Commonwealth celebration. Throughout North Ayrshire’s Commonwealth journey, spanning 55 primary schools and bases alongside all nine secondary schools, we have witnessed pupils' step forward with enthusiasm, pride, and growing confidence.

“None of this would have been possible without the commitment of our Primary 7 Commonwealth Champions – two nominated across all participating schools, who have been the true embodiment of the values of respect, inclusion, and determination. Congratulations and thank you for being a part of this extraordinary celebration.”

North Ayrshire Active Schools now have a busy summer ahead, looking forward to the Commonwealth Games beginning on 23 July and delivering a summer of free activities, funded by the Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport.

Delivered in partnership with sportscotland, North Ayrshire Active Schools, KA: Leisure, a range of our community sports clubs and the Council’s wider Community Learning and Development Service, view the Summer of Sport events calendar in collaboration with a host of community partners.

Find out more about the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on their 2026 Commonwealth Games website.

Follow the North Ayrshire Active Schools team on Facebook for more summer updates.

Published: 26 June 2026