Two young Borderers will have an integral role to play in the opening ceremony of next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Kirsty Lennon (16), from Tweedbank, who is a pupil at Earlston High School, and former pupil Fraser Wardhaugh (17) from Melrose, successfully auditioned for a part in the ceremony cast.
Each Scottish local authority was invited to identify young people to submit audition videos for a part in the opening ceremony.
Kirsty and Fraser are both members of Scottish Borders Youth Voice and were asked to audition in recognition of their commitment to their community, enthusiasm for sport and the Commonwealth Games, and their positive attitude.
They were chosen by the Glasgow 2014 organising committee to represent the Scottish Borders from their great audition videos, where they talked about their contribution to volunteering and their passion for celebrating the values of the Commonwealth.
Kirsty told us: “I was surprised to be successful in my audition for the role but I am honoured to represent the Scottish Borders at Glasgow 2014. I am very excited to take part and intrigued to find out the details of what my role will be.”
Michelle Strong, Headteacher at Earlston High School, added: “We are delighted for Fraser and Kirsty. It is a fabulous opportunity to be part of a national event. We are confident that they will represent the school and the Borders well, and hopefully encourage younger students to be involved in similar events in the future”
The pair will attend a workshop on the June 21 in Glasgow, where they will find out more about their role in the opening ceremony, which is currently being kept under wraps.
The opening ceremony includes the reading of the Queen’s message which is contained within the Queen’s Baton - which has travelled the Commonwealth and arrives in Scotland at Coldstream on June 14.
The Borders will host the Queen’s Baton Relay on June 18 and full details can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/QBR