Commonwealth Games begins with a beautifully Scottish opening ceremony

I’m a self confessed ceremonies anorak. I’ve seen them all…multiple times. I was also fortunate to attend the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (check out the video on Slow Scenes UK!).

So when the Games returned after 12 years it only seemed right to go again. So I did!

I have absolutely no genetic connection to Birmingham, however my genetic connection to Glasgow is profound. My great grandmother was born just around the corner from where the ceremony was held. This and other factors made this year’s opening ceremony feel extremely personal to me.

There’s nothing like a good old pipe band to really get the Scottish blood flowing. And “O Flower of Scotland” gets even the hardest of the hard weeping like a baby.

The dance routines were beautifully choreographed, especially the piece charting Scotland’s industrial heritage, from the waulking songs of the Highlands to shipbuilding and railways. There was also a timely reminder of the need to stay united in the deeply divided world we live in. Luckily none of the really “controversial” countries are in the Commonwealth, so this was largely preaching to the converted.

The arena based show did hold the atmosphere back a bit, especially during the parade of athletes. Last time we were all waving away at the athletes as they marched past us, this time it felt like they were waving to a void. I did, however, love that the smaller nations with maybe one or two attendees got the louder cheers. Scotland notwithstanding of course. Their entrance easily got the loudest cheer of the night. England also received a warm welcome, much to my surprise (and relief).

Where Glasgow lacks aesthetic charm it makes up for it in personality. The city centre right now is pretty much a massive dilapidated building site, but that doesn’t mean the city as a whole as a whole isn’t worthy. Glasgow proved last night that it is more than worthy. After all…no Scotland no party!