Duncan Scott zoomed up the River Clyde on a speedboat before sunrise to deliver something special to Glasgow: the King's Baton, kicked off the whole Commonwealth Games. Later that same day, 177 Scottish athletes gathered to pick up their official team kit — and what kit it was.
Each athlete received a traditional kilt, but that wasn't even the most exciting part. They also got matching handbags and thistle brooches to go with them. Thistles are spiky purple flowers that are a symbol of Scotland, and brooches are like decorative pins you pin to your clothes.
"We're getting a wee handbag to go with it and a thistle broach, which I'm really excited for," said Lauren Bell, a track cyclist who hopes to win medals at the Games. Her teammate Lucy Grieve, a swimmer, was just as thrilled: "All the athletes from other countries try to swap us for them, apparently."
The atmosphere in Glasgow was buzzing with what organizers called "relaxed giddiness." Athletes wandered between booths collecting free sunglasses, energy drinks, and even boxes of eggs (Bell proudly showed off her stash). Bell joked that her "memorable appearance" made it easier to sneak extra goodies.
For many of these athletes, this will be their first time competing in the Commonwealth Games. The event was nearly cancelled entirely. Last autumn, the Australian state of Victoria pulled out as the host because of money problems. Many worried the Games might be over for good.
That's when Glasgow and Scotland stepped in with just months to spare. They created a smaller, reimagined version of the Games in record time — keeping the tradition alive when it seemed like it might disappear.
"Glasgow and Scotland don't get enough credit for what they have done," said Duncan Scott, who's competing in his fourth Games. "The Commonwealth Games legacy has been able to continue because of them."
He added that India has already signed up to host the 2030 Games with a full lineup of sports. "What Scotland have done to make that happen is amazing."
The opening ceremony will take place at The Hydro, a massive indoor arena in Glasgow, in just three weeks. For now, though, the focus was simpler: fresh blue shirts, matching kilts and handbags, and dreams of what lies ahead.
"This is waaaay cooler," said Grieve, comparing the experience to the last time she was in the same building — watching Walking with Dinosaurs. For her and 176 teammates, the real show is just beginning.