With judo having not featured on the programme at Melbourne 2006 or Delhi 2010, Burton has never competed in a Commonwealth Games before, having been a reserve and training partner for Graeme Randall at Manchester 2002. 

He was selected from a shortlist of four athletes also consisting of hockey player Linda Clement, shooter Jennifer McIntosh and the former Commonwealth Games lawn bowls gold medal winner, Alex Marshall. 

"It's a massive honour and it's a big responsibility," said Burton.

"We're often in this relatively isolated judo bubble so for Scottish athletes of all 17 sports to nominate me as a Flagbearer is huge.

"It doesn't get more special than this for me because it is a home Games, and it's also at the very end of my career, and I'm now involved in coaching a number of guys in the team, which adds a completely different dynamic.

"There's also the fact my wife will be competing for England, and to add being Flagbearer on top of that is incredible." 

Euan Burton's career has featured two World Championship bronze medals
©AFP/Getty Images



Burton, who will compete in the heavier under 100kg category in Glasgow, added that he had been sworn to secrecy ever since being told he had been chosen last week, but was aiming to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Sir Chris Hoy, who carried the British flag at London 2012.

Sir Chris, who presented the flag to Burton this afternoon, described his former Scotland and Britain team mate as a "great ambassador for his sport and for Scotland".

"It makes complete sense that he's been voted by his peers to carry the flag in the Opening Ceremony," he added. 

"I don't think there's a greater accolade than to be recognised by your peers because these are the guys who do the same thing as you; they know all about the hard work, the commitment, training and lifestyle that you have to adopt to become successful in your post."

Jon Doig, Scotland's Chef de Mission, added: "Euan is one of Scotland's most successful, distinguished and well-respected athletes, and I am delighted that he has been selected by his fellow team members to lead us out at our home Games.

"Euan has been at the top of his sport for a number of years and with judo making its return to the Games for the first time since 2002 he will have the chance to make his debut for Team Scotland in Glasgow.

"Judo was our most successful sport at the Manchester Games with 10 medals and we are all looking forward to seeing them complete once again."

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