Largs, Millport and Skelmorlie will be hosting the Queen's Baton Relay on Tuesday July 15.

The route of the Scottish leg of the Queen's Baton Relay, which leads up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has just been announced.

The Queen's baton is currently in the Carribbean as it is carried around a total of 71 nations and territories of the Commonweath who are represented at the games.

The baton will arrive on Scottish soil on Saturday 14 June and will visit all parts of Scotland over the following 40 days.

Hundreds of villages, towns and cities have been named on the Queen's Baton Relay route throughout Scotland.

There had been high hopes that the Isle of Cumbrae would be included during the Queen's Baton Relay after it was revealed last year that Millport has a surprise link to its unique design.

The baton, which contains a message from the Queen, has its own exclusive links with the island. The wooden handle is made of elm wood sourced from the grounds of Garrison House, the restored 19th century mansion on Cumbrae, and was constructed using a boatbuilding technique called bird-mouthing, which means it is light, strong and durable.

Millport resident Sandy Morton said: “It has a considerable attachment to Millport and I feel that it would be desirable if it could come here and go round the island on a bike!" With the Commonwealth Games and Queen’s Baton Relay coming, North Ayrshire Council is keen to take part in the year of celebration and is holding a series of meetings to encourage community organisations to join in with activities of their own.

The Council would like to work with groups to gather information on what’s happening locally and to provide information on any possible options for financial support. To find out more, go to the Vikingar! on Wednesday, March 26 at 7pm.

More information is available from Lesley Forsyth on 01294 324407 or by email on lesleyforsyth@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “We want to hear from any groups who are planning festivals, events, gala days, fairs, projects, performances, exhibitions or sporting activities.

“These smaller community events will complement the bigger national events, raising the profile of both and enabling us all to be join in the celebrations.

“I am sure North Ayrshire will make a huge contribution to what is shaping up to be a very special year for Scotland.” The other areas in North Ayrshire lined up for the Queen's Baton Relay include Kilbirnie, Dalry, Kilwinning, Irvine, Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan.