After months of feverish anticipation, the Olympic Torch finally arrives in Tayside and Fife today.
The torch relay begins its 25th day in Aberdeen as it continues its journey across Scotland en route to London.
From Aberdeen the relay will wind its way through Angus, Perth and Kinross and north-east Fife before arriving in Dundee this evening.
Thousands of spectators of all ages are expected to gather along the route to see the torch as it passes.
After leaving Aberdeen, the relay will travel down through the Mearns and Angus before being carried through Perth and Kinross.
From there it will meander through north east Fife before reaching Dundee early this evening.
The city will then host an evening of celebration in Baxter Park that includes a performance by Scottish singer Emili Sande.
Up to 30,000 people will be allowed into the park to take part in the Olympic celebrations.
One hundred people will be given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch on its journey today.
There will be nine torchbearers in Dundee alone, including double amputee Ronnie McIntosh and Andy Coogan, a former Japanese prisoner of war.Follow the torch’s progress at www.london2012.com/torch-relayMr Coogan, who will be today’s oldest torch-carrier, is also the uncle of Chris Hoy, the Olympic gold-medal winning cyclist.
Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: ”The arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay in Dundee is an exciting occasion and I would urge people to come out and see the spectacle.
”This will be an evening to remember for everyone from Dundee who is involved in the displays, as well as the torchbearers.”
City council environment convener Councillor Craig Melville added: ”The city council and its partners are putting in a lot of work to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the relay in Dundee.
”Events for all the family are being staged at City Square and Baxter Park and these will have a very special atmosphere about them.”
Angus provost Helen Oswald said: ”This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to welcome the Olympic flame to our communities. Some 4500 schoolchildren will be out on the route to experience this historic moment.
”I’m sure that many Angus residents will join them and give a rousing reception to the 20-plus inspiring community torchbearers who are carrying the flame through our streets.”
Fife Provost Jim Leishman said: ”We’re looking forward to welcoming the Olympic Torch Relay to Fife.”
On Wednesday the relay will travel from St Andrews through Fife to Dunblane and then on to Edinburgh.
The torch relay will last for 70 days before it arrives in London to light the Olympic Flame and officially start the 2012 Games on Friday, July 27.
Eight thousand torchbearers will be involved in carrying the torch along its 8,000-mile route.