From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Tom Walker and then KT Tunstall took to the stage to perform but the event ended with a pyrotechnic finale, as sparks shot from a Tunnock’s Teacake as it dropped down from air.

And with that the ceremony, expected to be watched by millions across the globe, came to an end.

Now the action really begins.

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

The Monarch said: ‘Seeing the batons arrive into Scotland today, in all their colourful glory, carried by inspiring athletes and para-athletes, reminds us once again that the Commonwealth is a unique and extraordinary family of nations.

‘As we gather, we celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team. Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days.’

And Charles, who has long spoken out about environmental issues, took the opportunity of a global audience to speak out about plastic pollution.

He said: ‘For these Games, the Relay has carried another message – to help remove the plastic pollution that harms our oceans and waterways, and can impact on human health.

‘Addressing plastic pollution complements the immense global efforts required to protect thirty per cent of the world’s ocean by 2030.

'Caring for the ocean’s natural capital ensures our communities and businesses can continue to thrive and vital global food resources can be enhanced through the establishment of marine reserves to restore threatened marine ecosystems and diminished fish stocks.’

But he returned to the sporing competition set for the next 10 days.

Charles said: ‘Over the next ten days, we will certainly thrive here in Glasgow, as the city once again, following its proud hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, welcomes the Commonwealth family with warm hearts and open arms.

I extend my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, to all the athletes, to the organisers, volunteers and all who have made this event possible. As we share our love of sport, and our planet, let us build a harmonious and durable future, for our families and each other.

‘It is now my great pleasure to declare the twenty-third Commonwealth Games open.’

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Singer Nina Nesbit is now live on stage as the Scottish Baton arrives. Inside is a chamber for the King’s Message, which was placed inside in March 2025, at the launch of the King’s Batton Relay.

Ms Nesbit, joined by 23 singers from Madrigirls, is performing an acoustic version of the Proclaimers’ track I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Donald Rukare, the president of Commonwealth Sport, wore a kilt as he gave his speech to the opening ceremony and declared: ‘It’s good to be back.’

Donning what he described as the Wallace tartan reimagined in the colours of his native Uganda, he thanked the ‘brave hearts of Glasgow and Scotland who stepped forward’ to host the games.

Tonight, every flag is equal. Every athlete carries the hopes of their nation. Every volunteer, official and supporter becomes part of something bigger than themselves.

'That is Commonwealth Sport. Not just competition, but connection. Not only medals, but moments that last a lifetime.

‘Over the coming days, records will fall, medals will be won, champions will emerge, and somewhere in this city, a young person will watch an athlete and quietly decide, “One day, that will be me.”

‘That is the true legacy of these Games.’

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

A much more upbeat section follows, and as the Glasgow Central clock ticks singer Callum Beattie belts out Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.

To bring the party atmosphere, sparkly unicorns dance amid the kaleidoscopic light show.

Team Scotland cannot help but stand, and are joined by other athletes watching on. The Royal Box remained seated, as did many of the public watching on.

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Underneath the famous clock of Glasgow Central, the story of tonight’s performance begins with singer-songwriter Nathan Evans.

The flash mob leave the stage, it goes dark, and the audience is being transported.

The three guides, which choreographers have said represent Glasgow’s character as ‘the daydreamer’, ‘the team player’ and ‘the firecracker’, have travelled into Glasgow’s industrial heritage.

A huge banner falls from the ceiling, emblazed with the Gaelic words: ‘Tha Glaschu beò anns na daoine’

Which literally means ‘Glasgow is alive in the people’, organisers said its common translation is: ‘People make Glasgow’...

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Actor Sam Heughan runs into the arena, and meets the Loch Ness Monster. It is not the first time Nessie has appeared at a Commonwealth Games, having shown her face during the openings Edinburgh 1986 and Glasgow 2014, as well as in the closing ceremony of Delhi in 2010. Pipers and drummers then play the Flower of Scotland...

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Team Scotland have finally arrived, the last country to make grand entrance into The Hydro, to a rapturous applause.

They were led by Team Scotland superstars Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall and Sarah Adlington.

Bowls legend Marshall and judo ace Adlington were selected by their fellow athletes for the honour.

Fifty-nine-year-old Marshall - Team Scotland’s most successful athlete with five golds, one silver and one bronze – is making his eighth Commonwealth Games appearance, having first competed at Victoria in 1994.

Meanwhile, Adlington, 39, became the first judoka to win two Commonwealth Games medals, and will fight for an unprecedented third at what will be her final Games.

Marshall said: ‘I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible moments representing Team Scotland over the years, but leading the team into a home Commonwealth Games will rank right alongside the very best of them.

Walking into The Hydro carrying the Saltire, with the support of a Scottish crowd behind us and my family watching on will be a truly special occasion.

‘It will be an absolute privilege to lead this team out with Sarah, and I know every single one of us will give everything to bring success home for Team Scotland.’

Scottish First Minister John Swinney rises from his seat in the Royal Box to cheer on Scotland as they make their way in, and he and the King wave at the team as they walk in.

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

The Northern Irish squad have entered the arena, with six-time Paralympic champion swimmer Bethany Firth and 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist bowler Gary Kelly leading the way.

Shortly after Welsh team were cheered as they walked into the event. Boxer Rosie Eccles, who celebrates her 30th birthday today, and bowler Daniel Salmon are Wales' flagbearers.

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

It is Europe’s turn enter, and we start with Cyprus. England followed, with their flagbearers Sian Honnor, a four-time medallist in bowls, and swimmer Luke Greenbank leading the way.

Ms Honour, before the ceremony, told BBC News: ‘I didn't know I was nominated until I went on to select who I wanted to do it.

I think for bowls to be included in the shortlist is amazing and a great platform for the sport.

‘To be chosen, there are no words. I am absolutely honoured to be leading England in that way.’

From Mail Reporter Dan Barker...

Oceania are the nations and territories now walking in, starting with Australia who get a huge cheer. But it was not as big as the one their athletes could have had.

This should have been a home games for them, but the state of Victoria walked away after saying it was not prepared to spend as much as A$7billion on hosting the nearly two-week long event.

It plunged the Games into chaos, with fears of its survival before Scotland stepped up to host the event albeit in a much scaled down form.

Having the King and Queen emerge from the Tardis was certainly fan-pleasing. However, it did make you wonder - yet again - why this most BBC of sporting events isn't being covered by the BBC.