Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony as it happened

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

...Firstly it's the Scotland team walking in to the stadium to a phenomenal roar.

For now though it is time to retire for the evening.

Sweet dreams. I hope that the image of John Barrowman emerging from beneath a giant kilt stays safely locked in the subconscious, but it's time to leave you with two abiding images from an action-packed night...

On trying to open the relay baton, tweets: "Blimey, that was like trying to solve a Rubik's cube! #phew."

"The ceremony wasn't always going to be everyone's taste, but I think the organisers this evening will be very happy."

06:00-01:00: BBC Radio 5 live

09:00-13:00, 13:45-18:00 & 19:00-22:00: BBC One

09:00-22:00: BBC Three

13:00-13:45, 18:00-19:00 & 22:00-22:30: BBC Two

22:40-23:40: Tonight At The Games, BBC One

23:40-23:55: Sports News, BBC One

Hannah Miley and Michael Jamieson will be going for gold in the pool for Scotland, an England team pursuit will have Sir Bradley Wiggins chugging along at the front of the train and doubtless other heros will seize their moment of glory.

You'll be able to see them all on BBC television, radio and websites.

Former Scotland rugby international Gavin Hastings: "I hope all the athletes who came into the stadium tonight use it as inspiration."

"The Glaswegian sky is lit up by pyrotechnics. Add some confetti, Primal Scream and a traffic cone on top of a monument (Ed, i've no idea) and you have the end to a rollicking opening ceremony and the start of what is likely to be a memorable 10 days."

Cycling - track (men's team pursuit and team sprint, women's 500m time trial and Para-sport sprint B tandem)

Gymnastics (rhythmic team event)

Judo (men's -60kg and -66kg, women's -48kg, -52kg and -57kg)

Swimming (men's 400m free, 200m breast and Para-sport 100m S9 free, women's 200m free, 400m medley and 4x100m free relay)

Triathlon (men's and women's races)

Weightlifting (women's 48kg, men's 56kg)

Most importantly, cue sport.

The first action of the 2014 Commonwealth Games comes at Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls club in less than nine hours away when Scotland take on India at 08:45 BST.

Decathlete Daley Thompson on BBC One: "I am so feeling the love. No matter what happens, Scotland have already won. I am so looking forward to the action now."

BBC Sport presenter Dan Walker tweets: "Someone get a can opener? #openingceremony"

"On an evening that has not been short of humour, in a way it was quite fitting that the Prince Imran couldn't get the baton open!"

The Queen plays tribute to Glasgow and declares the Games open.

Cue pyro. Cue Primal Scream's Movin on Up. Cue ticker tape, Cue laser show.

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Uh-oh.

Prince Imran has one last job. Open up the baton and hand the Queen her speech script. It is not happening.

He wrestles with the top of like a weak-wristed pensioner dealing with a recalcitrant jam jar. Finally Sir Chris Hoy comes forward and shows him it is a matter of brain, rather than brawn. The Queen looked like she was offering a bit of advice as well as finally the top is off and the script is delivered to cheers!

Sir Chris Hoy sprints up the step and delivers the baton to the Queen.

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Prince Imran, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, is from Malaysia but his accent is straight from the home counties.

He announces the Queen's baton's arrival back into stadium. It is carried by a Jamaican schoolgirl called Jenica, passed to a group of volunteers who work in Scottish sport and them on to Sir Chris Hoy, via the 97-year-old great uncle who inspired a young Chris to get into sport.

Australian cyclist Anna Meares posts on Facebook: "WOW! Just..... WOW! ‪#‎openingceremony‬. I will sleep smiling tonight!"

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, is a man who barely needs a microphone.

He finishes at maximum decibels and registering high on the rhetoric scale.

"We're gathered. In this stadium and in front of television screens across the city and throughout the world. Our time has come. Glasgow 2014. Bring it on."

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond calls the crowd and athletes together to observe a minute's silence in memory of the 298 people who died when flight MH17 crashed in the Ukraine on 17 July.

Sir Chris HoyCopyright: Sir Chris Hoy

Six-time Olympic cycling champion, with actor and fellow Scot James McAvoy, tweets: What an atmosphere!! Just amazing!

Aimee LewisCopyright: Aimee Lewis

A spectacular sight as thousands of mobile phones light up like glowworms in the night sky. A fun and frolicking curtain-raiser for what should be a fabulous fortnight.

Comedian Billy Connolly reminds the crowd via a video message that this is the first Commonwealth Games since the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela.

He recounts how Mandela was awarded the the Freedom of the City by Glasgow in 1981 while he was still in prison on Robben Island. In 1986 Glasgow renamed St George's Place - the street on which the South African consulate-general was based - after Mandela.

The 1986 Commonwealth games, held in Edinburgh, were boycotted by 32 African, Asian and Caribbean nations over apartheid and the British government's refusal to impose sanctions on South Africa.

Adrian GrantCopyright: Adrian Grant

England's squash players are clearing enjoying their evening. Adrian Grant tweets: "Rolling with Rod Stewart @nickmatthew"

Right, down to more serious business.

The Commonwealth flag is brought out by athletes representing each of the regions involved in the Games.

Swimming legend Ian Thorpe is there for Oceania, squash queen Nicol David is doing the duties for Asia, while Kenya's double Olympic champion Kip Keino is carrying the banner for Africa.

Rod StewartCopyright: Rod Stewart

Celtic fan Rod Stewart, in between his turns, tweets: "I never thought I'd be able to stand in the Celtic Board Room in front of the trophy case. . . with no pants."

Working in the International Space Station looks like a laugh doesn't it?

After a zero-gravity kickabout last month to celebrate the World Cup, they are back via satellite link to wish everyone well in Glasgow, lobbing the microphone between themselves through the floaty vacuum. The wags.

Amazing Opening Ceremony @Glasgow2014 - emotional, fun, inspiring, energetic, colourful & brilliant! Going to be a great couple of weeks.

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Want to know more about the big British medal hopes in Glasgow? Then why not let our man Nick Hope give you the lowdown on eight of the finest competitors from the UK who will hopefully be stepping on to a podium in the Commonwealth Games.

Sarah BarrowCopyright: Sarah Barrow

Team England diver Sarah Barrow posts on Instagram: "I made it to the Opening Ceremony! @weRengland."

"Middle-aged men, pensioners, spry twenty somethings are all on their feet dancing to the Shamen. And then they sit down once Rod appears. They'll return to their feet soon, they're probably just waiting for We are Sailing. Gavin Hastings, smiling widely, is on his feet however, capturing the moment with his camera. Soak it all in, Gav."

Fireworks punch the sky and Rod Stewart has slipped his handlers, sneaking back on stage for another number.

A couple of Canada athletes clap along, Team Scotland nod gently, no indication of what Botswana make of the show.

It is "new material" as well.

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"I love the way they have come in and been taken aback by the welcome, the noise, the ovation. Yes they are the host nation but it is still something to come in to a stadium like this. I love the sense of pride. It is not just about the city of Glasgow but about the nation of Scotland and where it sees its place in the world."

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Former Scotland rugby international Gavin Hastings: "The Scottish athletes have been blown away and I'm sure this moment will live with them for the rest of their lives. They will feel very lucky to have been part of this, and I don't think they will be struggling for motivation after this."

Clare BaldingCopyright: Clare Balding

The BBC Sport presenter tweets: What a roar from the crowd as Scotland come into the stadium.

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Scotland's poster boy Michael Jamieson will be expected to turn Olympic 200m breaststroke silver into gold in Glasgow when he competes on the opening night of the Games.

Britain had Ennis at London 2012, Scotland have Eilidh Child at Glasgow 2014. The 400m hurdler carries her nations track hopes on her shoulders as she looks to improve on Commonwealth silver in 2010.

Katie Archibald will lead the Scottish cycling challenge in Glasgow. Archibald, who was part of the British team that won the World team pursuit gold earlier this year, has set herself quite a challenge by competing in the 3,000m individual pursuit, points and scratch races on the track and the time trial and road race on the road.

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"The Scottish athletes are punching the air to a fantastic reception as they walk into the stadium. There are tears in the eyes of some competitors and it's a moment of huge pride for them."

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It's a proud moment for Edinburgh judoka Euan Burton as he brandishes the Saltire at Celtic Park.

The 35-year-old multiple world and European medal-winner has confessed to watching videos on the internet of Sir Chris Hoy wielding the standard at the London Olympics in an attempt to hone his technique.

That said it takes a brave man to adopt the one-handed approach of the feted cyclist...

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Scotland wait until the last of the Welsh athletes clear off the Celtic Park surface before they stroll out into into a storm of tickertape. Controversial pastel tartan kilts and shawls are all proudly displayed.

The Welsh team walks in and the music being played is Push the Feeling On by Nightcrawlers?! Madness. Scotland - we gave you Tom Jones!

Here come the hosts...

"I feel this is a very big moment tonight. I know there is a bigger cheer to come but I'm feeling good about Welsh prospects here at Glasgow."

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Welsh cyclist Elinor Barker has already tasted gold in 2014 as part of the Great Britain side that won gold in team pursuit at the World Track Cycling Championships in February and the 19-year-old is a a big medal hope for her country in Glasgow.

As is swimmer Jazz Carlin, who will be chasing three in the women's freestyle at 200m, 400m and 800m. She is bidding to be the first gold medal-winning Welsh female swimmer in 40 years.

Current world number one flyweight Andrew Selby is a huge medal prospect for Wales. He may have missed out on a medal at London 2012, but he has the class to put that right in Glasgow.

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This is quite a moment for Frankie Jones, given that the Welsh flag bearer had to learn to walk again after undergoing hip surgery following the London Olympics.

That, in part, has contributed to the rhythmic gymnast's decision to retire after Glasgow at the age of just 23 but she will leave the sport with plenty of memories. This is her third Commonwealth Games for Wales, having finished 12th overall in Melbourne in 2006, then won silver in Delhi four years later in the hoop discipline.

Not bad for someone who was born and raised in Northamptonshire but qualifies through her family ties to Neath.

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Wales are looking pretty slick. Smart suits with classy patriotic red touches.

"The rows next to me have woken from their mid-parade slumber now the European regions are walking in. The gentleman who gave out a big old yawn not five minutes ago is now moving his head from side to side to some Technotronic. Another gentleman, in tartan trousers, is watching the Maltese team's arrival through a pair of binoculars. The Scottish team should prepare to be hit by a wall of sound."

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Northern Ireland's medal hopes are led by 2010 light-flyweight boxing champion Paddy Barnes, who also won bronze medals at both the Beijing and London Olympics and opted to stay amateur in order to defend his Commonwealth crown in Glasgow.

David Calvert is making a record 10th appearance in the Games, having first competed in in Edmonton in 1978. He is Northern Ireland's most successful competitor with four gold and four bronze medals in the Full Bore Rifle singles and pairs events.

Pole vaulter Zoe Brown comes into these Games in red-hot form having recently broken the Northern Irish record. Her clearance of 4.45m is the second best by a Commonwealth Games competitor this year.

"It has been a great week for Northern Ireland. Rory McIlroy wins the Claret Jug at the Open and they have brought their biggest team ever here to Glasgow."

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The man parading the Northern Ireland flag is cyclist Martyn Irvine. The 29-year-old from Newtownards won gold in the scratch race at last year's World Track Championships and a bronze in the team pursuit at the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Irvine is expected to take part in four events in Glasgow but he clearly did not expect the honour, saying: "There are a lot of other athletes in the team with bigger CVs."

PACopyright: PA

Northern Ireland are out. Green blazers, murky chinos and some big aviator shades for some. Strong.

Guernsey emerge to Aphex Twin's Window Licker. Small team, big tune.

Team ScotlandCopyright: Team Scotland

Team Scotland tweets: We've been waiting years for this - Bring it on! #Glasgow2014

Athletes from three British Isles crown dependencies are making a rare sporting appearance in their own colours. Shooters Steve Le Couilliard and Tim Kneale are carrying the flags of Jersey and Isle of Man respectively, while squash player Chris Simpson is the man leading Guernsey around Celtic Park.

Jersey Squash ClassicCopyright: Jersey Squash Classic

"Some very familiar names from London 2012 in the England team, still going strong, like Nicola Adams, David Weir, Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford, the list goes on and on. Sir Bradley will be back on the track for the first time since Beijing."

"Don't you think England would have been better with pinstripes and bowler hats? I think I could have come up with a better uniform idea in two minutes."

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

We have trawled the video archives and throughout Glasgow 2014 will recall some of the moments from the history of the Commonwealth Games that rocked the world.

At the 2010 Games in Delhi England's Tom Daley scored seven perfect 10s on his way to a diving gold.

The 16-year-old went on to win the 10m platform title in Delhi with a narrow victory over Australian Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham to add to his earlier gold in the 10m synchro. Two years later, Daley took bronze in the Olympic 10m final at London 2012.

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The Tour de France's loss is the Commonwealth Games' gain as Bradley Wiggins returns to track cycling in the men's team pursuit along with the likes of Ed Clancy and Steven Burke, who won gold at London 2012.

For a long time it looked as though Glasgow would be deprived of the chance to see Mo Farah in action, but the double Olympic champion is in Scotland and raring to go. Farah is aiming to become the first person ever to achieve the 5,000m and 10,000m double at the European and World Championships, along with the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

England's hopes in the diving are led by Olympic medallist Tom Daley, who will be hoping to make a metaphorical splash in the men's 10m platform and synchronised 10m platform.

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The man wafting the Cross of St George is three-time world squash champion Nick Matthew.

A double gold-medal winner at Delhi the Delhi Commonwealth Games four years ago, the 33-year-old was voted for by his England team-mates.

The Sheffield native is the second Yorkshire athlete to carry the flag after Karen Briggs, a judoka from Hull, did so in the Auckland Games 24 years ago.

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England come out and they got a hearty cheer from the Glasgow crowd. Extraordinary times indeed.

Last up is Europe, with Cyprus the first out in some blue and orange trackkies.

St Helena have made it to Glasgow after two flights, a lift on a Royal Mail ship, 8,500 miles and 10 days of travelling.

The party of eight, six athletes and two officials, set off on a five-day crossing to Cape Town on 11 July and stopped off for three days before arriving, via Amsterdam, on Monday.

"It is great to see the smiles on the faces of the athletes in Celtic Park tonight, it is totally joyous."

Would Bermuda have been brave enough to sport the shorts their nation is famous for had this been Glasgow in January rather than July?

We'll never know. But they are rocking red with black socks and some knobbly knees in between...

BBC News presenter Jane Hill tweets: "Spoke to some of the volunteer performers earlier; they said they've had 42 rehearsals in last 5 weeks. Commitment! #CommonwealthGames"

"There was a petition setup against Scotland's uniforms, but I'm sure it won't what matter what they are wearing when they come because they will get a huge cheer."

The Americas section of the athletes parade begins with Belize. They will be represented in the triathlon for the first time by Kent Gabourel, who used to captain the nation's football team.

Cycling on a beach cruiser bicycle that has one fixed gear and no brakes has not been ideal. Neither has swimming in the Caribbean when tepid is the best he can hope for in Glasgow.

More from our Celtic-supporting Tongan boxer, Lomalito Moala...

"Hopefully I put a smile on yah faces! Scottish people you are blessed! Thank you for the love you have showed to not me but Tonga as well!"

"I wonder what the medley will be for the European nations? Bonnie Tyler perhaps to get it all started, followed by a bit of Elaine Page and Johnny Loughrey? Or maybe Stiff Little Fingers and Van Morrison, followed by a bit of Deacon Blue. Interesting times ahead of us."

Former Scotland rugby union international Gavin Hastings: "Celtic Park has put on a great show for the opening ceremony and I'm certain Ibrox will do likewise for the rugby sevens."

Valerie AdamsCopyright: Valerie Adams

I can't even begin to work out how New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams managed to take this selfie.

"Usain Bolt is only going to come in for the last day of the athletics in the 4x100m relay. The Commonwealth Games is the only competition Bolt has not run in and the only medal he does not have."

Jamaica's team make their way into Celtic Park. The crowd scan the heads for the lofty peak of Usain Bolt. They won't find him. The six-time Olympic champion has places to be and will fly in later to compete in the 4x100m relay on the last day of the Games.

The Cayman Islands have more registered businesses than people, Huw Edwards informs BBC One viewers as they make their entrance.

It is more to do with a low, low tax rate rather than entrepreneurial spirit.

Rach Smith: There's such stunning counties in our Commonwealth. Makes me feel proud to be a part of it.

Katie Weston: Learning more names of countries from the Opening Ceremony than I did in my geography degree.

Next up is the Caribbean - remember the athletes are coming in by continent, with the Americas and Europe still to come. And Mylo, on DJ duties, chooses a slab of Shaggy's Boombastic to accompany Anguilla's entrance.

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

We have trawled the video archives and over the next 11 days we will recall some of the moments from the history of the Commonwealth Games that rocked the world.

Tanzanian Filbert Bayi led from the front in the 1500m at Christchurch in 1974 as he built a lead of 12 metres and held off a fantastic challenge from New Zealand's John Walker to smash the world record in a time of three minutes 32.16 seconds.

The traditional way of running that race was to keep energy in reserve for a sprint at the end, but Bayi's run would change middle distance tactics forever.

"Stage hands are trying to chivvy teams along. Must be running slow. Good luck with that. Too many teams enjoying it - rightly so."

So, Tongan boxer Lomalito Moala - as promised - gambols in brandishing a Celtic jersey and a member of the Cameroon team strolls by wearing an Aberdeen bunnet. Clearly the visiting athletes have taken Scotland to heart...

Abdul Rashid Bangura is part of the Sierra Leone teem. The 27-year-old survived brutal civil war and captivity to become an elite boxer.

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

We have trawled the video archives to look back at some of the great moments from the history of the Commonwealth Games.

South African swimmer Natalie du Toit came back from losing her leg to compete in Manchester in 2002.

Hours after winning the multi-disability 50m and 100m freestyle, she qualified for the 800m able-bodied freestyle final - only months after her bike accident. She was awarded the first David Dixon Award for Outstanding Athlete at the end of the Manchester Games.

Rwanda emerge. In their number is Adrien Niyonshuti. He lost six brothers and a total of 60 family members in the 1994 genocide that killed an estimated 800,000 people in 100 days.

His story, as part of a group of genocide survivors mentored by a former Tour de France rider from the United States, has already been made into a documentary 'Rising from the Ashes'.

Aimee LewisCopyright: Aimee Lewis

"So, there's Kylie being played at such decibels chairs are vibrating; dancers in Technicolour doing an abridged version of the YMCA, and still Hazel Irvine and Huw Edwards remain seated and carry on broadcasting. I don't know how they do it."

"The Ghana team got so excited with their dancing they ran ahead of their flag bearer!"

You can listen to Radio 5 live's commentary by clicking here

Mozambique was late to the Commonwealth party, only admitted in 1995. They look like they are making up for lost time, whipping up the crowd while the main ringleaders wear very unnecessary neon sunnies.

Team ScotlandCopyright: Team Scotland

Team Scotland tweets: "Not long to go now!"

800m world record-holder David Rudisha, the subject of this excellent BBC Four documentary, is in amongst the Kenya team clad in patriotic black, green and red.

Best dance moves so far? Ghana for my money...

Next up is Africa, lead by Botswana. Nigel Amos, the prodiously talented youngster who chased home David Rudisha in the London 2012 800m final, holds aloft the flag.

"Not one flag bearer gone for the straight arm yet. Come on Euan Burton (some things are worth tiring your arm out for)."

Judoka Euan is carrying Scotland's flag

That is a risky PR move.

One of the Tonga athletes emerges brandishing a Celtic shirt, jigging in front of the cameras with the green and white hoops.

It gets a cheer from the crowd. It might not have united all of Glasgow behind him though.

And now a test of stamina for the spectators. Only the 4,883 athletes to watch and wave at. There's a row next to me clapping and hollering - but will they still be cheering when the Vanuatu team walks into the stadium? Oh, one spectator has already placed his flag underneath his chair - and we're only in Oceania! Poor effort.

"What gets forgotten is a lot of these athletes never ever get to appear in front of this many people, so the opening ceremony is extra special for them."

Laura MassaroCopyright: Laura Massaro

Squash world champion Laura Massaro posts on Facebook: "Can you tell we are just a bit excited? Go Team England!"

"Leading the New Zealand team out is Valerie Adams, who will compete in the shot put. She hasn't been beaten in 55 different competitions. She is a force of nature that woman. And they also possess their powerful rugby sevens side who will be a good bet for gold here."

BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport

Over the next 11 days we will look back through the video archives and recall some of the moments from the history of the Commonwealth Games that rocked the world.

Back at the 1998 Games in Malaysia fearsome New Zealand winger Jonah Lomu inspired the All Blacks to a gold medal.

It was the first time that rugby sevens had been played at the Games and superstar Lomu helped the All Blacks beat Fiji 21-12 in the final and have won every Commonwealth title since.

The New Zealand team contains swimmer Sophie Pascoe.

As a two-year-old she had her leg amputated below the knee after her own father reversed over her on a ride-on lawn mower.

Since then she has become a six-time Paralympic gold medallist and a household name in her native New Zealand.

Ally Hewitt: Looks like Australia have brought half their population! Mind you they are the USA of the commonwealth.

Kate Lewers: I enjoy that one athlete just missed his chance to appear on TV because he was filming on an iPad that covered his face!

Fiona Cromwell: The adorable little Scotty dogs have won me over.

"I'm told the Scottie dogs leading the countries are doing double shifts. But rest assured they are very well looked after with plenty of food, water and even their own dressing rooms back stage."

When it comes to topping the medals table at the Commonwealth Games, which country springs to mind?

South Africa, Australia? England?

Nope, Nope, and Nope Again.

It's Nauru - a Pacific Island measuring only eight square miles in area, and with a population of just 10,000.

You can read their remarkable story here, and find out why, per head of population, they are streets ahead of the rest of the Commonwealth.

Nauru are among the next in. And they have a very special claim to Commonwealth fame...

Several of the Aussies come in walking on their hands, others are on each other's shoulders. Attention-seekers.

The next continent to get led out by a man with a Highland Terrier in a personalised little jacket is Oceania. Australia, top of the 2010 medal table, have the honour of being first nation out.

Dan RoanCopyright: Dan Roan

"Red Arrows a bit too quick for me."

"Great to see such a richness of colour and a sense of the diversity of India who gave us such a good time with the Games in 2010. Vijay Kumar, who won three gold medals in Delhi four years ago, is the leader and he is carrying their flag in today."

Pakistan are shortly after.

One of the their team is Maria Toorpakai Wazir. She had to pretend she was a boy to play sport as a child in Waziristan, a highly conservative region of Pakistan.

She cut her hair, burned all her girly clothes and won a wrestling competition before falling in love with squash.

"In our society, people celebrate when a boy is born but are aggrieved when a girl is born," she says. "This attitude must change. I want every tribal girl to have the same chances as other girls."

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Malaysia follow with their athletes wearing black armbands and their nation's flag at half mast in honour of the victims of the national airline's two recent tragedies.

The rest of the Asian representatives stroll out to the strains of MIA, curated by DJ Mylo. First up Bangladesh...

"Director of Ceremonies David Zolkwer knows how to get a Scottish crowd going. First, get Amy McDonald to sing 'Rhythm of my Heart' and, just when you think the singing and clapping has reached a crescendo - slide back the screen and focus the spotlights on Rod Stewart. Gavin Hastings, working for BBC Radio 5 live this evening, isn't joining in, though. The rhythm of your hearts can beat all they like - yer man Hastings is a broadcasting pro."

First up on the parade of nations is India - home to more than half of the people of the Commonwealth.

Thirty-nine of its 1.3 billion citizens won gold at their home Commonwealths in Delhi back in 2010.

Valerie AdamsCopyright: Valerie Adams

Olympic and world champion shot putter Valerie Adams from New Zealand posts on Instagram: "Team NZ ready to head into the stadium #makingusproud #glasgow2014"

The Queen's Baton Relay began on the morning of 9 October 2013 at Buckingham Palace. From there it has travelled to 70 countries, covered 190,000km and finally it has arrived at its destination.

The Proclaimers' I'm gonna be (500 miles) is given a folky reworking and two dancers from the Scottish Ballet, who have sole use of the biggest dancefloor in western Europe , duly end up intertwined on the floor.

Like all good nights out.

Chris Tye: Australia in 4 years? Will they be dancing around in kangaroo suits, with hats and corks on them? Thought not.

A Struthers: I am enjoying the #bbcglasgow2014 but I'm not sure it's quite up to the marks for a worldwide audience...

Sharon: I'm loving the tongue in cheek opening ceremony! The Scots have a great sense of humour!!

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Former Scotland rugby union player Gavin Hastings: "It's a been fantastic start and classic stuff from Rod Stewart."

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The Queen arrives in a chauffeur-driven Bentley with the Duke of Edinburgh by her side.

She gets out to a warm reception from the crowd before singer Robert Lovie leads the singing of God save the Queen.

Lisa McCaffreyCopyright: Lisa McCaffrey

Northern Irish netball player Lisa McCaffrey tweets: "Sooo excited! #teamni"

Have they front-loaded this one? Barely has Rod strutted off the stage before his place is taken by Susan Boyle, she of jaw-dropping Britain's Got Talent audition.

She booms out Mull of Kintyre and the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments soon join in.

It's Rod Stewart! And he is wearing a suit made entirely of Bacofoil.

Never a man knowingly out-Scottished, he sings "never will I roam 'cos I know my place is home" at the home of his beloved Celtic.

"The start to the opening ceremony was very much intended to be a tongue-in-cheek look at what Scotland and Glasgow are all about."

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Whisky, golf, Dolly the Sheep, marmalade, fountain pens and the Kelvin Scale.

Scotland's landmark inventions spin past in a blur of interpretive dance and gurning.

Next up is singer Amy McDonald to bring the frenetic pace down a notch or two.

Nicola AdamsCopyright: Nicola Adams

English boxer Nicola Adams posts on Instagram: "Boxing team #selfie we're ready for the opening ceremony.

"Get in. Highland dancing, Nessie and bagpipes all in big opener. Wheel out Hoy to cut ribbon and Proclaimers to play us out. In bed by ten?"

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That is the American tourist dollar locked down for another decade or so.

John Barrowman launches into a musical tribute to Scotland's money-spinning monster.

"Nessie!

"I believe in you though they say you were an elephant swimming.

"I know you are a Plesiosaur living in Scotland."

Of course you do John.

Melanie SchlangerCopyright: Melanie Schlanger

Australian swimmer Melanie Schlanger posts on Instagram: "The Aussies are congregating ready for the opening ceremony. #Glasgow2014 #villagelife #behindthescenes."

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Lordy.

What a start!

Karen Dunbar appears in the crowd and marches down to stadium centre telling the crowd and the world that "we're a land of inventors and poets and dreamers, we're enlightened, creative and fun."

To prove it John Barrowman appears from beneath a giant kilt aboard a tartan jeep decorated with some highland cow horns.

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"I think part of this is the cultural impact that sport has had in Australia. Now as we come into this Commonwealth Games a lot of funding is tied to it, which means we have a strong team here and will win a lot of medals. We expect to be on the top of the leaderboard. We expect to win a lot in the pool but we may get hit on the track this time around."

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"I don't want to spoil any surprises, but Scotland's finest exports are well represented tonight. There's giant shortbread, Tunnock tea cakes which are so big they seem to have been genetically modified. And I've not yet mentioned the Irn-bru bridge. No sign of the Loch Ness monster though. Nessie is so temperamental, you never know when she's going to make an appearance."

We can't all be there, but don't let that stop you getting involved.

Join the social media hug on 81111 on text, #bbcglasgow2014 on Twitter, BBC Sport on Facebook and Google+.

"Is this on? Can you hear at the back?"

The tannoy is buzzing into life at Celtic Park and those carefully-laid plans are about to be put the test.

Team England judoka Gemma Gibbons - the wife of Scottish athlete Euan Burton - tweets: "So excited to be heading off with @weRengland for the opening ceremony & to see my husband enter the stadium as Scottish flag bearer #proud"

@weREnglandCopyright: @weREngland

England's oldest and youngest competitors have been having a chin wag. Visually impaired lawn bowler Doreen Flanders, 79, and 13-year-old diver Victoria Vincent.

Louise HastonCopyright: Louise Haston

An alternative team photo from Scotland's cyclists on Twitter . . .

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Legendary decathlete Daley Thompson was a 20-year-old ball of energy, enthusiasm and excellence at the 1978 Edmonton games.

The Games are often the birthplace of future stars... as this video demonstrates.

Australian hockey player Georgia Nanscawen tweets: "Totally devo when @_JaydeTaylor said we were going to miss the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at the ceremony. Turns out it was the Chilli PIPERS."

"Get ready you're going to be on telly," says comedian Des Clarke. He's working the crowd like an old-fashioned compere, getting thousands of spectators to practise saying Brunei Darussalam. This is variety gold - he just needs to start tap dancing and Her Maj will book him in for the Royal Variety performance (she does her own bookings these days. Pudsey the dog was one variety act too far, so I'm told.) Brunei Darussalam, by the way, has just the one athlete competing in Glasgow."

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"I think it is a Glasgow reborn. Scottish people are passionate and it has shown in our athletes that we are different now. The investment means we are trying to win now, not just compete and be a competitor. We all want Glasgow to go ahead and be successful and we now have the infrastructure for children to go on and improve."

Saurav GhosalCopyright: Saurav Ghosal

Indian squash player Saurav Ghosal tweets: "And it begins... :) the Indian squash team all dressed up for the opening ceremony of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games!"

Gabby LoganCopyright: Gabby Logan

"I also kept this which if you rub it quickly actually sets on fire."

Gabby represented Wales in the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.

I think I remember Gareth Edwards sporting one of those through most of the 1970s.

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Former Commonwealth and Olympic champion Allan Wells: "To run for Scotland at this level is privilege. I would love to be here as an athlete but unfortunately I can't wind the clock back.

"You could understand any Scottish athlete in this atmosphere might be fearful, but I think they will be lifted and they will be made to feel as if everyone is behind and that can help them get over the line."

This is how things ended up once Delhi 2010 was all packed away.

Can England close the gap, or even overtake, Australia at the top?

How much is the host effect worth for Scotland?

Given Wales' raft of absentees might they do well to hold on to 15th?

Will Northern Ireland, helped by their boxers, beat their total?

All shall be answered over the next 11 days of action.

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"I think the Commonwealth Games have always been looked on as the friendly games but how friendly can you get when you are running against Olympic gold medallists like I did? But it is the only time the home athletes can run for their individual nation at a major tournament. I was proud to do that and to win the medals (in 1978 and 1982) was incredible."

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If part of the aim of the games is to turn a few perceptions of Glasgow, then baking evening sunshine is a fine way to start.

It has been a bobby-dazzler day weather wise and the UV just keeps on coming...

"The Commonwealth Games in 1986 kicked everything off for me. I was unknown and ended up winning it and then went on to bigger and better things. I think I'm more nervous being here now than I was then because I'm a coach and a mother. I'll be the proudest person in here when (daughter and Scotland athlete) Eilish comes out on Wednesday to compete."

Know your Tuvalu from your Trinidad & Tobago?

Then why not try our interactive Commonwealth Games flags quiz.

Nobody in the BBC Sport office got a perfect 10 out of 10. I'm not surprised.

Can you do any better?

Find out here.

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Two-time Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington is at Celtic Park for the first opening ceremony she has attended.

The 25-year-old former swimmer, who also won two golds at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, says: "I've never been to an opening ceremony before because swimming is always first up at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. This is going to be very special for me.

"In terms of competing, as an athlete everyone in the crowd is cheering for you so despite the pressure you think 'how can I use this in a positive light'."

Former Celtic striker - and BBC 5 live analyst - John Hartson tweets: "Welcome to Paradise.. Commonwealth games 2014.. What a fitting venue for the opening ceremony."

There are some tantalising glimpses of tartan-clad towers on the Celtic Park playing surface over the shoulder of presenter Clare Balding on BBC One.

What have the organisers got planned? Can they avoid any obvious gaffes?

A Janet Jackson 'wardrobe malfunction'?

A Diana Ross penalty miss?

A reluctant Olympic ring?

Everyone remembers the gaffes more than the interpretative dance.

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Scotland 200m breaststroke swimmer and Glasgow 2014 poster boy Michael Jamieson: "I've had butterflies just walking into the swimming arena. I'm privileged to be in this position.

"There's photos and billboard pictures of me everywhere and I've taken a bit of stick from the lads for it! But I'm keen to lead by example."

Aimee LewisCopyright: Aimee Lewis

Celtic Park is awash with colour tonight and doing their bit to make sure we're in for a technicolor treat are Australian couple David and Kathleen Foster.

They're in Europe on a three-month holiday, with the Commonwealths the highlight of the trip.

"We know Amy Cure, who is competing in the velodrome, but we can't get any tickets for it," says 67-year-old David.

"As an athlete all you focus on is the things in your control. You have to block everything else out and focus on what you have to do. I've spoken with the Scotland team and they know what they are doing."

"It is just a friendly atmosphere at the Commonwealth Games. I was lucky enough to compete in Delhi. It is a bigger team and everyone gets on with each other. It is such a good camaraderie. The athletes get to know and understand other sports that are not just their own. It gives you a confidence boost and is a great step to the Olympics - in the case of these guys, Rio."

BBCCopyright: BBC

How would Hollywood actor Jason Statham answer a question like "Aggressiveness: If you were a curry, how spicy would you be?"

I think phall might be on the menu.

In a former life the star of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Crank and the Expendables, represented England in the diving competition at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

He had hair and everything - take a look at this video.

Welsh 400m hurdler Dai Greene is another who has tried our interactive feature to establish what your best Commonwealth Games discipline would be.

After getting squash, boxing and wrestling, he tweeted: "Maybe I need to have a word with my coach

Have a go of the predictor yourself and see if your height, aggression and personality suit a particular sport.

"It is so special, not just for the athletes but everyone. I've only been here one day but everyone is the city is buzzing. And the athletes just want it to start now. I've messaged people and they are raring to go."

"When it's a home nations event like this it gives you a bit of added spice and it's great for countries like Northern Ireland. The thing for some of the young kids involved is that it can make them as fighter and they can become household names back home."

Aimee LewisCopyright: Aimee Lewis

This is not Keeping Up Appearances actor Clive Swift in full Saltire regalia but Barrie Scholefield - father of Scottish hockey player Iain.

"We went to Delhi, where we weren't allowed water in the stadium and there were more armed guards than spectators so this is marvellous," he says

Barrie doesn't think Scotland's men will win a medal in the hockey but does say the team "will sweat blood" for the country.

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Some of the stars of London 2012 never even lined up on a startline. The volunteers who radiated energy and enthusiasm while directing human traffic, collecting bins or escorting stars blew away any pre-games cynicism.

Glasgow has its own 18,000 strong band of unpaid staff.

The Clyde-siders will be the public face of the games and the city over the next 11 days.

If you want to know more about playing a new sport, or working or volunteering around the action, then the BBC's Get Inspired pages are a great way to find out what is going on in your local area.

Why not start with a quick look at how Misha Botting, a former dancer with the Bolshoi ballet, helps Scotland's sevens rugby players prepare for battle.

"The city will hopefully see a kickstart in other sports and a promotion of a healthier lifestyle.

"The area of Govan in Glasgow has a life expectancy of 52 years. There is the hope that the Commonwealth Games can help foster a change in lifestyle."

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Chair of the British Olympic Association and former Lord Sebastian Coe says: "It's not going to be like the Olympics. Glasgow 2014 is going to be different from London 2012.

"Glasgow has benefitted from having a world-class organising committee, though, and some who worked on London went on to work on Glasgow.

"One of the similarities is that the part of Glasgow it will be held in, like London, is an important area for regeneration and will be a vastly different place than it was before the Games."

The last Commonwealth games to take place on these shores was Manchester 2002.

The legacy of those games, along with the Abu Dhabi millions poured into Manchester City, have helped regenerated the east end of Manchester.

"Those 10 days of the Commonwealth Games showed a new vibrant modern Manchester that was not necessarily the perception many people had of the city," said assistant chief executive of Manchester City Council Vicky Rosin.

Kelly HolmesCopyright: Kelly Holmes

Dame Kelly Holmes tweets: Very exciting waiting for the opening ceremony at pitch side @Glasgow2014."

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The last time Scotland hosted the Commonwealth Games, in Edinburgh in 1986, the hosts had not won an athletics gold by the time the final day of competition arrived. Then an unheralded Dundonian cantered to victory in the 10,000m.

Her name was Liz Lynch and, over the couple of weeks, her daughter Eilish McColgan will represent Scotland in the steeplechase.

Other sporting highlights from a Games blighted by boycotts was a young Steve Cram romping to victory for England in the 800m, boxer Lennox Lewis winning gold for Canada in the super-heavyweight division, rower Steve Redgrave topping the podium on three separate occasions and Ben Johnson streaking to victory for Canada in the 100m.

Former Great Britain freestyle swimmer Karen Pickering: "All four Commonwealth Games I competed in I only managed to go to one opening ceremony.

"I was lucky that it was Manchester in 2002 so I got to experience of walking out a home Games. I'm sure the Scottish athletes here tonight will also have that special feeling."

"How far would you travel to see a 20ft kilt? 'We've travelled 3,500 miles to be here,' says Denny Carty, who grew up in St Kitts but lives in the UAE. ( I should add that the 59-year-old didn't know anything about a giant kilt being part of the opening ceremony when he bought his tickets.) 'Glasgow is one of the greatest cities in the world,' he says, waving a St Kitts flag. Denny is here with Brenda Dixon, a Glaswegian, and the couple have managed to get tickets for the Rugby Sevens. A fine choice."

Katarina Johnson-Thompson has had a go on our interactive feature which works out what Commonwealth Games discipline would suit you.

As in many other cases, the predictor is accurate, but the 21-year-old is not too familiar with judo, which came out as her second-best fit.

She tweets: "Pretty much on the money for the first one.... but judo? Really..."

Have a go of the predictor yourself and see if your height, aggression and personality suit a particular sport.

Back in the 1990s the Australian Institute of Sport did some revolutionary work, taking athletes from one sport and reassigning them to another based on their physical and psychological attributes.

The theory was while you might be wasting your time not quite achieving the top level in one sport, when you might be ideally suited to another.

No need to book a trip down under to find out if your dreams have been spiked by endless games of playground footy when you should have been trying to get a class lawn bowls match going.

Instead head over to the BBC's online test that will tell you what sport is your best route to glory.

I have ordered a wrestling onesie and am weighing up whether to change my middle name to either "the machine" or the "the mauler".

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"I'm really excited to watch the sports and soak up the atmosphere without the pressure of competing. I started my career in Manchester at the Commonwealth Games. Melbourne was the first success of my career so the Games have been a real stepping stone."

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He may only be competing in the 4x100m relay, but six-time Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt's presence is quite a coup for Glasgow. This is the Jamaican's first appearance at the Commonwealth Games.

David Rudisha's gold medal-winning, world record-breaking display in London 2012 left people purring and it is sure to garner him plenty of attention in Glasgow, where he will be the man to beat in the 800m.

Arguably the strongest favourite across the whole Commonwealth Games is Valerie Adams, who will compete in the shot put for New Zealand. She is pretty much invincible, as four World Championship titles, two Olympic and two Commonwealth golds testify.

@Lewisb64Copyright: @Lewisb64

Team Scotland boxer Lewis Benson has tweeted: "Ready for the opening ceremony, everything is real now! #Proud #TrueScotsman."

The biggest star in the sporting sky is Usain Bolt. The Jamaican living legend is hampered by foot and hamstring surgery but will run in the 4x100m relay.

Mo Farah wants another a double shot of glory. After his intoxicating 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic double, the Londoner is aiming for a repeat at the Commonwealths.

England's historic Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins is back for a spin in the velodrome, taking part in the team pursuit.

You can get the full schedule for the whole Commonwealths on the BBC Sport website.

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Glaswegian comedian Billy Connolly: "I'm looking forward to going to the velodrome to watch the cycling. Those guys have ridiculous thighs, they are almost frog-shaped people!

"We can be a cynical bunch but the Commonwealth Games have been embraced in Glasgow and its people which is lovely to see."

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As well as large-scale demolition jobs, there will be some big sporting names missing from the Games' opening ceremony.

Isle of Man cyclist Mark Cavendish had a disagreement with the Harrogate tarmac.

England's Jessica Ennis-Hill is juggling the demands of young son Reggie rather than the seven events of the heptathlon.

Wales' Becky James is nursing a knee injury.

But there is plenty of stardust to add glitter to Glasgow.

"Plenty of familiar faces to be seen in the corridors of Celtic Park. Huw Edwards is sipping a beverage, while former France rugby union international Sebastian Chabal is deliberating in the hot food section of hospitality. The celebrity magazines would pay a fortune for this sort of information."

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"I feel like I've achieved some massive goals but there are still little ones that keep me going, like the Commonwealth Games. To win a medal for England would be a dream come true, not as a disabled athlete but just as an athlete."

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One of the central features of the Glasgow opening ceremony was going to be the demolition of five of the six Red Road tower blocks that have dominated the city's north-east skyline since the late sixties.

"By sharing the blow down with the rest of the world, I hope it will be seen as the noble, respectful and celebratory send-off that it is intended to be," said Glasgow 2014 artistic director David Zolkwer.

More than 17,000 people signed a petition suggesting that "blowing up homes for entertainment" was not noble, respectful or celebratory.

Safety and security concerns meant the plan was shelved.

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Former Great Britain decathlete Daley Thompson: "The Commonwealth Games were another chance to compete on the world stage and for a medal. They were huge for me.

"The competition means a lot, but perhaps you only get serious about it a day or two before. Maybe the Olympics you are thinking years about it.

"But I think a lot of people don't give the Commonwealth Games enough credit. Even though it's the friendly games everyone wants to win."

We'll also open the doors for your favourite opening ceremony moments from across sporting history. Here is the jetpack that stole the show at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic curtain-raiser to get your creative juices flowing.

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Suggestions for others are welcome on the same contact details as below.

So which events have you scribbled an asterisk next to over the next 11 days?

The pyrotechnics on the athletics track are an obvious place to start, but where are the hidden gems tucked away in the schedule? Here's my nudge and wink for you. Rugby sevens.

Two years before their Olympic debut in Rio, the southern hemisphere big three - New Zealand, Australia and South Africa - along with England, Wales, Scotland, Samoa and Tonga, knocking bits of each other at Ibrox Stadium?

Where do I sign?

Your hot ticket tips are welcome on 81111 on text, #bbcglasgow2014 on Twitter, BBC Sport on Facebook and Google+.

"It is great for Scotland. It is seven years since we won the Games but it is only in the last few days it has hit home. It is the most extraordinary feeling. It is here. I'm not going to be provoked or led into political debate. I'm just focusing on the Games. Everybody, even the England team, will get a fantastic response from the Celtic Park crowd. It will be a home crowd, but a generous crowd."

"It's hotter than Honolulu in Glasgow. Commentators are using T-shirts and tissue to protect their bonces from the rays, while there's a spectator or two putting the Saltire to good use before the flag waving begins. Chances of rain? Low. Chances of sunburn? High. Very high."

GB's 11-time Paralympic champion Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson: "There's lots of brilliant memories of the Commonwealth Games for me, and it's an important stepping stone for many athletes.

"It's a bit more relaxed around the edges than the Olympics. I loved the opening ceremonies and I tried to get to as many as I could when I was competing."

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Who else is on the bill?

Well the organisers have confirmed that former Britain's Got Talent finalist Susan Boyle and singer-songwriter Amy McDonald are also going to be there, but there are bound to be some surprises.

"Scots and Glaswegians are self-deprecating and I think you will see a bit of Glasgow having a laugh at their own expense in the opening ceremony.

"It will be 'don't take us too seriously, because we don't take ourselves too seriously'.

"It doesn't have the budget of the Olympics, it was never going to have something that. I think the organisers fear that people are expecting something similar to Danny Boyle at London 2012 but it won't be anything of that scale."

One person who might have a Black Watch sofa in their living room is Rod Stewart.

The spiky-haired crooner, born and raised in London but with Scottish ancestry, is aboard a plane and heading to Glasgow from his south of France home.

He tweets: "I'm very nervous and very proud to be performing at the Commonwealth Games #2014Ceremony tonight in Glasgow."

Only six teams have attended every Games: Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales.

Australia have won the most gold medals - 804 - and are the only team to have amassed more than 2,000 medals.

The 3,000th Commonwealth Games gold medal will be awarded in Glasgow.

Australia has staged the four-yearly event four times as have Canada.

Glasgow marks the third time Scotland has staged the four-yearly event, after Edinburgh played host in 1970 and 1986.

Patrick MacHughCopyright: Patrick MacHugh

Scotland badminton player Patrick MacHugh has tweeted: "The badminton team ready for the opening ceremony."

"The opening ceremony is incredible. I was only a kid when I experienced it - 17 years old. It was brilliant. For so many athletes coming through, and the older ones as well, it is great. To walk round the track and be with your team-mates, it is fantastic. A special moment."

The One Show are already basking in the late evening sun outside Celtic Park, where tonight's opening ceremony will take place.

The usual red sofas have been replaced with some snazzy tartan numbers. And sat upon them is a man who took gold as a 17-year-old in Edmonton in 1978...

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I've got some more numbers for you. Three hundred hours of television coverage, 200 hours of radio coverage and more than 1,300 hours of live action via up to 17 live online streams.

The Commonwealth Games lasts only 11 days. But the BBC will be chock full with the equivalent of 75 full days of all things Glasgow 2014. If you miss anything you only have yourself to blame.

Full details are available just here

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Bula! Dy bannee diu! Haai!

However you say it round your way, I bid you a big hello and welcome to build-up ahead of tonight's opening ceremony for the 20th Commonwealth Games.

Over the next 11 days, 4,500 athletes representing 71 nations and territories, and a billion people, will compete over 17 sports for 261 gold medals.

Those numbers add up to a rich mix of excitement, intrigue and compelling human stories. And it is just a few hours away from beginning.

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Back in November 2007, Derek Casey packed a bottle of Scotch carefully into his luggage and boarded a flight to Sri Lanka.

The Glasgow 2014 bid chief promised that he would open his cargo regardless of whether his city or the Nigerian capital Abuja were successful in the final vote to host the Commonwealth Games.

Forty-seven votes to 24 ensured he was toasting success rather than drowning sorrows. Tonight, the really big party begins.