The Olympic torch relay will be coming to Glasgow on 8th June next year and Glasgow MSP Bob Doris is calling for members of the public to come forward to represent Glasgow. The Flame will travel for 63 days through every Nation and Region of the UK before spending the last 7 days in London.

Mr Doris said: "The political controversy surrounding the London Olympics has been regrettable from the outset, the costs have been ridiculously high, and the money lost to Scottish good causes through the Olympic drain in lottery funding is truly unforgivable.

"However, whats done is done, and whilst we should never again allow a UK Government to get so carried away on a London project at the expense of everything else, the Olympics are nearly upon us and I know the good people of Glasgow will wish the London Olympics the very best.

"The 2012 Olympics is also a staging post on the way to our own Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. These prestigious  events are truly exciting and I want to make sure that every child in Glasgow is encouraged into a healthier, sportier lifestyle as a result."

From the start point of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay at Lands End, an average of 110 people a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 70 day journey towards the Olympic Stadium in London.

Mr Doris added: "Organisers are looking for inspirational people who best represent their local communities. Anyone can go online right now at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay to make nominations. The deadline for making nominations is 11.59pm on Wednesday 29 June 2011.

Young people in particular from across Scotland are encouraged to get involved, with half of the total number of Torchbearer places expected to go to people aged between 12 and 24 years of age who are considered leading lights in their local communities.

Note:

The first confirmed locations for Scotland are as follows:

• Glasgow - Fri 8 June    Evening Celebration
  
• Inverness - Sat 9 June  Evening Celebration
  
• Orkney - Sun 10 June    Island Visit
  
• Shetland - Sun 10 June  Island Visit
  
• Isle of Lewis - Mon 11 June     Island Visit
  
• Aberdeen - Mon 11 June  Evening Celebration
  
• Dundee - Tue 12 June    Evening Celebration
  
• Edinburgh - Wed 13 June Evening Celebration

Also confirmed today are 6 island visits to the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Shetland, Orkney and the Isle of Lewis where a community led celebration to welcome the Olympic Flame will be held and Torchbearers will run in relay.