Scott said he was delighted with how the performance came together to give a hugely impressive taster of what Glasgow and Scotland have to offer in 2014.

The eight-minute modern take on the country's heritage was full of music, colour and dance, with kilt-clad bagpipe players and even a mock Loch Ness monster.

"I have great pride in the cast and crew who have all worked so hard over the last few months to put on this stylish performance on a world stage," said Scott.

"This has been the most incredible journey for Glasgow 2014 and the whole process has been based on the people of Scotland and therefore has a very personal touch to it."

Robert Winter, the Lord Provost of Glasgow who participated in the Flag Handover, said: "I am immensely proud to have played a role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

"The Flag Handover was a fantastic spectacle and I hope all the people at home who saw it on television enjoyed it as much as I did."



First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond was watching the Scottish display among the 60,000 spectators at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and admitted it was a special moment for the country.

He said: "I am proud to have been here to represent Scotland on this momentous occasion.

"The marvellous performance staged tonight by the cast brought a unique Scottish flair to this very special occasion.

"Scotland is already excited about hosting the Games in 2014 and the Handover Ceremony showed the world how spectacular this event will be by showcasing our country's spirit and our greatest asset, our people."

Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland Michael Cavanagh added: "As the final week of the Games in Delhi have gone on, Team Scotland's thoughts have increasingly turned to the handover of the flag and the next Games in Glasgow in 2014.

"Our athletes have watched with interest how the home crowds here in Delhi have spurred the Indian team on to some inspired performances and they know what a huge advantage this will be to them when they are the home team in Glasgow."

Scotland claimed nine golds in Delhi which placed them in tenth position on the final medal table.

England were the highest ranking British nation at the event as they finished in third with 37 gold medals, one less then second placed hosts India.

Australia topped the medal table with a mammoth 74 golds, while Northern Ireland finished 13th with three victories - all in boxing -and Wales 15th with two gold medals.

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