Residents pack Main Street to see the Olympic Torch arrive in Rutherglen
Jun 13 2012
by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer
RESIDENTS from all over South Lanarkshire came to the town to see the Olympic Torch arrive in Rutherglen.
The atmosphere was electric as crowds packed the street to get a glimpse of the flame and the Reformer spoke to people eagerly anticipating the arrival.
Ellen Stewart brought her four-year-old granddaughter Paula, who attends the Upstairs Kids Club in Cambuslang, along and said: “I don’t ever remember an event like this in Rutherglen, it’s a special day.
“I think it’s especially good for the kids, it’s something they’ll always remember.”
Freda Byrne was there was her three-year-old granddaughter Lauren.
Freda has lived on Rutherglen’s Main Street for over 20 years.
Of the occasion, the 59-year-old said: “It’s a once in a lifetime thing and it’s brought everyone together.”
Mary Rodgers (67) and Sandra Forbes (49) travelled from East Kilbride and Sandra said: “I’ve never seen it before and it probably won’t travel through Scotland again in our lifetime.”
Halfway’s Margaret Hughes, who works in Rutherglen Library, attendedwith her grandson Jackson.
She said: “It is absolutely fabulous.”
Nicole Wright (36) was there with her daughter Taylor (4) who goes to Glenburgh Nursery.
She said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the torch - this is a once in a life time experience”
Annette Logan, who lives in Burnside, went along with her daughter Joanna, who was singing in the choir.
She said: “It’s a great thing, I could not wait to see all the children singing.”
Fife’s Steven Hynd was nominated to carry the torch through Rutherglen and he praised the Olympic spirit of the town.
Steven (49) insists the people of Rutherglen made the event extra special.
He said: “It was unbelievable. The people of Rutherglen really made it for me. Considering the weather the turnout was brilliant.
“It was quite a distance I ran - about 700 metres - I was knackered at the end of it!
“The whole event, the choir, the countdown, it really touched me.
“I can’t thank the people of Rutherglen enough for making it such a special day.”
MSP James Kelly, who is a former Cambuslang Harrier, was on hand to see the event and said: “It was a historic day for Rutherglen to be part of the Olympic Torch procession. It was great to see so many local people turn out to greet the torch and be part of the event.”
Rutherglen’s Labour MP Tom Greatrex said: “It was great that the weather did not deter thousands of people from Rutherglen and further afield turning out for this historic occasion.
“The fact that Rutherglen is the only town in South Lanarkshire to host the Olympic flame made it a proud day for Ruglonians for what is likely to be a once in a lifetime event.”
