GLASGOW 2014 BATON RELAY

THE BATON ROUTE the Queen’s Baton Where to catch the Queen’s Baton coming weeks Relay in the coming weeks

Wed 9 Jul: Ullapool, Lairg, Thurso lapool, Lairg, Thurso (transition day) nsition day)

from Scrabster to Thu 10 Jul: Ferry from Scrabster to Stromness, Stromness, Skara Brae, Dounby, Finstown, Kirkwall Fri 11 Jul:

Holm, St Mary’s,

St Margaret’s Hope, ferry from St Margaret’s Hope to Gills Bay, John o’Groats, Wick, Golspie, Tain,

Alness, Dingwall

Sat 12 Jul: Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, Spean Bridge, Fort

William (transition day)

Sun 13 Jul: Appin, Benderloch, Dunbeg, Oban, Kilmartin, Lochgilphead, Furnace, Inveraray, Strachur, Sandbank,

Dunoon

Mon 14 Jul: Gourock, Inverkip, Greenock, Quarrier’s Village, Kilmacolm,

Port Glasgow

Tue 15 Jul: Wemyss Bay, Skelmorlie, Largs, Millport, Kilbirnie, Dalry,

Kilwinning, Irvine, Stevenston, Saltcoats,

Ardrossan

Wed 16 Jul: Eaglesham, Busby, Clarkston, Giffnock, Thornliebank, Newton Mearn, Uplawmoor, Neilston,

Barrhead

Thu 17 Jul: Howwood, Lochwinnoch,

Kilbarchan, Johnstone, Elderslie, Linwood, Brookfield, Bridge of Weir,

Houston, Langbank, Bishopton, Erskine,

Inchinnan, Renfrew, Paisley

Fri 18 Jul: Duntocher, Faifley,

Hardgate, Whitecrook, Clydebank, Dalmuir, Old Kilpartick, Bowling, Dumbarton, Renton, Alexandria, Balloch, Jamestown, Bonhill, Milton

Sat 19 Jul: Bearsden, Milngavie, Bardowie, Torrance, Lennoxtown,

Milton of Campsie, Twechar, Kirkintilloch, Lenzie, Bishopbriggs

Sun 20 Jul: Glasgow Calton, Anderston / City, East Centre,

Shettleston, Baillieston, North East,

Springburn

Mon 21 Jul: Glasgow Anderston / City, Govan, Hillhead, Canal, Maryhill, Drumchapel / Anniesland, Garscadden /

Scotstounhill, Partick West

Tue 22 Jul: Glasgow Linn, Langside, Southside Central, Anderston / City, Pollokshields, Govan, Craigton, Greater Pollok, Newlands / Auldburn

Wed 23 Jul: Glasgow Opening Ceremony

(Compiled by Anna Millar)

glasgow2014.com/join/ queens-baton-relay

ACTION RELAY

As the Queen’s Baton Relay approaches Glasgow Anna Millar speaks to one batonbearer, remarkable yachtsman Gerry Hughes, about why he’s taking part

N ot for nothing is the Queen’s Baton Relay the precursor to the XX Commonwealth Games. Sure, the athletes are the beating heart of any global sporting event, but community spirit is what makes any such occasion truly soar. And while the spotlight has inevitably lingered on the more A-list batonbearers from the world of acting and comedy, it’s the stories of the local heroes, nominated for the relay, that truly inspire.

In scale and design, it’s an awesome journey to be part of. By the time it i nishes in Glasgow for the start of the Games, the baton will, over 288 days, have visited 70 nations and territories and covered a whopping 190,000 kilometres. Engaging, fact fans, with a third of the world’s population. For ‘proud Glaswegian’ Gerry Hughes, who picks up the baton in his native turf on 22 July, the relay will be yet another achievement to add to an already impressive stable.

Incredibly, the i rst deaf yachtsman to solo circumnavigate the world via all Five Great Capes, Hughes has overcome adversity from a young age. Born deaf, beyond his remarkable sailing achievements Hughes has also represented Scotland

18 THE LIST 10 Jul–21 Aug 2014

six times in the World Deaf Golf Championships. When he’s not l exing his sporting muscles, he enjoys his day job, teaching deaf children in Glasgow. He’s optimistic that his part in the relay will show people the potential of what the deaf community can do. Hughes explains: ‘I hope that this will help people understand that deaf people have skills and talents.’

‘I have faced many barriers in my life. It has often been hard for me to get people to see beyond my deafness and instead to see my real potential. Over the years many well-meaning people have tried to save me from the disappointment of failure by discouraging me from pursuing “unrealistic goals”.’ Yet Hughes has excelled time and time again. ‘I have achieved my dream of being on Sir Robin- Knox Johnston’s list of solo circumnavigators, not because I am deaf, but because I have demonstrated that I am a skilled yachtsman. I hope that anyone who faces challenges in their lives will see that it is possible for them to achieve their goals if they believe in their own ability and are prepared to work hard.’