King and Queen emerge from Tardis to open Glasgow Commonwealth Games

This year there was no baton relay across the Commonwealth but each of the 74 nations and territories was given a wooden baton to decorate.

As they entered, the team’s baton bearer handed the baton to one of three gardeners on stage.

It is was then planted on stage to create a colourful garden.

The soundtrack, by Skye-based Valstos, fused trad and electronic music and mixed in samples from the country’s musical traditions.

Organisers said it was designed to be “a symbol of common ground, bringing a piece of every nation and territory into a shared celebration of the natural world that connects us all.”

The last baton was brought in by Team Scotland, who received the loudest cheer of the night as they were led in by Alex Marshall – who has won five Commonwealth gold medals in bowls – and judo champion Sarah Adlington.