Games baton is another boost for Causeway Coast

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway will provide an eye-catching back drop for the relay which is scheduled to arrive in Northern Ireland today (Tuesday) as part of the epic journey across 70 nations and territories.

The Queen’s baton relay as it is known will see the baton runner dressed in a Thistle and he will be ferried down to the famous Rope Bridge where he will then carry the torch a short distance before it makes its journey along the coast to the Causeway stones.

The relay is a unique element of the Commonwealth Games and is aimed to unite the two billion citizens of the Commonwealth in a celebration of sport, diversity and peace.

The baton began its journey on 9 October last year at Buckingham Palace when The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth into the baton.

The event on the North Coast is certain to provide yet another economic boost to the area with locals and tourists no doubt keen to see this historic event taking place.

The Games themselves will be held in Glasgow between July 23 and August 3 and will provide a huge sporting spectacle for those expected to attend the 17 events.

The fact that locals can share in the Games has been praised by local hotelier, Darryl Stevenson from The Fullerton Arms who said it was yet another boost for the tourist industry on the Causeway Coast.

Mr Stevenson said: “We have benefitted greatly from the Giro and now the Commonwealth Games. We must build on the boos that this will give us in the hospitality industry.”