Highland and Islands Agencies welcome the Olympic Torch

On Saturday, 9th June, 2012, the Olympic Torch will arrive in the Highlands to be carried through the streets by inspirational torchbearers from our local communities.  Information on torchbearers can be found at    www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers.

This major event for our area will see three days of celebrations stretching from Glencoe in the south west, travelling through the Highlands, and visiting the Islands as communities embrace the Olympic spirit.

The Olympic Flame stands for peace, unity and friendship. It will be carried by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers.

The Torch is lit from the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games.

After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens.

The Flame is then delivered to the Host Country, where it is transferred from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship.

It ends its journey as the last torchbearer lights the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games.

The Flame then stays lit until it is put out at the Closing Ceremony, signifying the end of the Games.

Highlands and Islands Strategic Coordinating Group partners are working together to ensure public safety and business continuity during a very busy period in the region, which includes large scale events such as the Olympic Torch Relay,  RockNess, UCI Mountain Bike Championships, Fort William and the Curtis Golf Cup, Nairn.

Olympic Torch Relay Commander Colin Gough said: “Northern Constabulary will play its part in delivering safe and secure events this summer. We will police local events such as the Olympic Torch Relay and other cultural celebrations, continuing to provide a service to our communities while also maintaining resilience to deal with any emergencies.

“The force, like many others, has taken appropriate measures to maximise the numbers of officers available to us during this busy period, providing normal policing in the Highlands and Islands and supporting the national operation for the Olympic Torch Relay. We are well used to planning and preparing for large scale events in this region.

“We are working closely with our partners to ensure public safety and business continuity during this very busy period. There is likely to be some congestion and delays around the main routes of the Olympic Torch Relay, specifically the A82 on 9 June, and the Dores Road to RockNess. I would ask that people use the information provided to plan their journey accordingly and avoid these routes at specific times unless they are specifically there for the celebrations and events.”

Councillor Jimmy Gray, Convener of The Highland Council, said:  “This is an unprecedented weekend of major events in the Highlands, providing our communities with a terrific range of entertainment and spectacle and a huge economic boost. The Highlands will be the spotlight of UK this weekend and I hope that it is one that will live in people’s memories.”

Neil Gillies, Director of Transport Environmental and Community Services, added: “We have been working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that these events go as smoothly as possible over the weekend and that everyone has a memorable time.”

Detailed information on the route of the Torch Relay, events and Torch bearers can be found at http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route/

For further information on local events visit The Highland Council website on /leisureandtourism/events/olympics.htm