On Your Marks! The Queen’s Baton Relay heads to River City

The Queen’s Baton Relay will play a starring role in River City next month when Molly O’Hara (Una McLean] becomes Shieldinch’s official batonbearer accompanied by running groups from across Scotland.

 

In scenes from the popular BBC Scotland drama to be aired on Tuesday 22 July (BBC One Scotland, 8.00pm) Molly limbers up to welcome the well-travelled Queen’s Baton to Shieldinch. She’s joined by five Scottish running groups – the Shettleston Harriers, Kilmarnock Harriers, Inverclyde AC, Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers and Ayr Seaforth Harriers – who filmed the scenes at BBC Scotland’s Dumbarton Studios.

 

Donald MacKinnon, Series Producer, was delighted to welcome the groups to be part of River City’s Commonwealth Games celebrations: “As Commonwealth fever sweeps the nation, it’s wonderful that Scotland’s most popular soap was part of this unique event. Seeing the Queen’s Baton being held high through Montego Street by Molly was an iconic moment in River City’s history.”

 

Una McLean, who plays Shieldinch batonbearer Molly O’Hara, adds: “I was thrilled to have the honour of carrying the Queen’s baton through the streets of Shieldinch! And even happier that I didn’t drop it. I must confess I didn’t realise it was so heavy – age allowed me to use both hands to hold it! I so admired all the children from the running groups involved – they were so dedicated and enthusiastic. I just adored all of them!”

 

The River City storyline is part of the BBC’s year-long contribution to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The BBC is the domestic broadcaster for Glasgow 2014 and in addition to comprehensive sports coverage during the Games in July and August, the Corporation has also unveiled a wide-ranging package of on-air and off-air output and events throughout 2014.