Glasgow opens the Commonwealth Games

All eyes were on Glasgow last night as they opened the Commonwealth Games.

Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar and actor John Barrowman got the party started with a song packed with everything Scotland is proud of from a giant haggis, cabers, golf clubs, Scottish terriers, shipbuilding, Rod Stewart, Billy Connolly, Irn Bru and Tunnocks Teacakes.

Dancers dressed as Tunnock's Tea Cakes twirled around — Dancers dressed as Tunnock’s Tea Cakes twirled around

John Barrowman even pushed the boundaries with a new version of the Glasgow kiss, taking a stand against the 42 of the 53 competing nations that criminalise homosexuality.

Scottish-American actor John Barrowman, right, kissed one of the performers during the ceremony — John Barrowman kissed one of the performers during the ceremony

With mixed reviews the two and a half hour ceremony may have got off to a slow start but it exploded with Scottish pride, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza throughout the city.

The Queen's Baton is shown to the crowd as it arrives in the stadium — The Queen’s Baton is shown to the crowd as it arrives in the stadium

Fireworks explode over Celtic Park at the finale the Opening Ceremony for the Glasgow 2014 — Fireworks explode over Celtic Park at the finale the Opening Ceremony

he Finnieston Crane and Clyde Auditorium were shown to the 71 competing nations — The Finnieston Crane and Clyde Auditorium were just one of the places throughout the city that had fireworks

Seventy-one nations are to compete across 17 sports over the next 11 days, with more than 4,500 participants making the event the biggest Scotland has ever hosted.

There was a brief moment of worry and comedy when the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Prince Tunku Imran, was unable to open the baton, but Olympian Sir Hoy was on hand to assist as he eventually produced the Queens message.

“To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours.

“You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens, and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future.

“I offer my sincere thanks to the many organisations and volunteers who have worked diligently to bring these Games to fruition, and indeed to the spectators here in the stadium, and to the millions watching on television.

“Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations.

“It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open.”

Judo star Euan Burton was Scotland’s flag bearer and said: “It was a phenomenal reception when we entered the stadium.

“It’s a windy evening and the flag is fluttering high. I’m so proud to be leading the team. It’s my first Commonwealth Games and there’s no better place for a Scotsman to be.”