Glasgow Schools Gifted Bespoke 2026 Schools’ Baton Inspired By Commonwealth Games King’s Baton Relay

Glasgow schools and nurseries have gone ‘All In’ for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with the launch of their own Schools’ Baton Relay; a citywide celebration uniting 330 nurseries and schools, and giving all 70,000 children and young people the chance to see and hold a Baton, building excitement for the Games while inspiring learning about the Commonwealth and the power of sport. 

Delivered on behalf of Glasgow 2026 by Glasgow City Council, the Schools’ Baton Relay is a flagship part of the Games’ All In programme; a Scotland-wide movement inviting communities, schools, sports clubs, cultural and voluntary organisations, and businesses to celebrate the Games in their own altogether brilliant way. 

Inspired by the spirit of the official King’s Baton Relay, which is currently travelling through all Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of its return to Scotland on 1 July, Schools Baton Relay is made up of 34 handcrafted Batons — one for each learning community across the city — which have been designed and produced by GalGael’s Tim Norman, the creator of the official King’s Batons. 

Each of the 34 School Batons has been carved from the same Pollok Park ash tree used to make the King’s Batons, with each learning community challenged to take on a creative design brief, developing a unique artistic identity for their Baton before sending it on its sustainable journey around the schools and nurseries within their community. 

The inspiring journey began in the City Chambers, where pupils created a moment of pageantry and pride during a vibrant Schools’ Baton Relay opening ceremony. 74 young flag bearers paraded the colours of every Commonwealth nation and territory through the magnificent Banqueting Hall, setting the tone for a relay rooted in unity, diversity and global connection. 

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren has welcomed more than 250 children to the City Chambers and is delighted that all Glasgow schools and nurseries will be involved in the Games build up. 

She said: “This is the perfect opportunity for pupils to build excitement ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer. 

“Not only are they are going to be able to hold a piece of history in their hands by taking part in the Baton relay – schools will also have the chance to turn this into a learning opportunity as well as encouraging increased sports participation.” 

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026 said: “The Schools’ Baton Relay is an incredible programme of activity which gives Glasgow’s children and young people the opportunity to bring the Games to life in their own creative way. The programme encourages young people to explore and learn about the Commonwealth, while also increasing participation in sport and culture, and championing the benefits and importance of community.   

“By placing these handcrafted Batons into the hands of school pupils, we’ve created an opportunity to connect them to a global Commonwealth journey, as well as celebrate what makes Glasgow special. We can’t wait to see the creative ideas that the children and young people produce, and we look forward to showcasing all 34 Schools Batons to the world this summer.” 

Scottish Netball star, Lexy Gillies was excited to attend the launch at the City Chambers commenting: “I’m currently the youngest Scottish Thistle, so being here to represent the team is a huge honour. It’s really exciting to meet young people who are in the same position I was not too long ago and to have the chance to inspire them.  

“Events like this are so important because the Commonwealth Games aren’t just about the athletes, they’re about the whole city. The Schools’ Baton Relay really captures the spirit of the Games and helps young people feel part of something bigger. It’s only been three years since I represented Scotland at the Youth Games, so to now be involved in a home Games is incredibly special.” 

Glasgow 2026 takes place from 23 July to 2 August and will see 3,000 world-class athletes from 74 nations and territories compete in 10 sports and six Para sports in four iconic venues across an eight-mile corridor of the city. 

Although the Schools’ Baton Relay is unique to Glasgow, the Glasgow 2026 team has developed a national digital resource pack, enabling schools across Scotland to get involved in their own way and join the nationwide buildup to the Games.