But actress Clare Grogan also became a proud batonbearer last week when the Queen’s Baton Relay kicked off in Johnstone.

Stunned crowds watched as the Glaswegian star helped the baton along its epic journey through the town’s Houstoun Square.

She also made fellow bearer Scott Wilson’s day when she handed him the baton, which was specially attached to his walking frame.

Speaking on the day, a beaming Clare said: “Johnstone has done us proud. I’ve loved every minute of today.” And as she got her hands on the Commonwealth Games’ iconic symbol, the 52-year-old joked: “I don’t want to give it up — I might do a runner.” The event, which saw hundreds of people flock to the square on Thursday, was described as “a moment that would go down in history”.

Families, shop workers, politicians and local residents, young and old, lined the streets to enjoy the glorious celebrations.

Commonwealth Games flags adorned shop windows throughout the town — with residents waving their own flags to mark the special occasion.

Resident Lynn Anderson, from Dimity Street, told The Gazette of her excitement for the event.

“It’s been a really great day,” she said. “My granddaughter, Jessica Gallagher, was most excited about it.

“I think because she has been learning all about the Commonwealth Games at school she couldn’t wait to see it all in action.

“This is a great way to unite the community — and to put Johnstone in the spotlight.” MP Douglas Alexander, who represents the area, described Thursday as “a day of real pride.” “I’m delighted by the turnout here in Johnstone,” he said, stopping to pose for photographs with local youngsters.

“It’s a day of real pride for not just Johnstone but the whole of Scotland as we get so close to the opening ceremony.

“I didn’t know Claire Grogan would be carrying the baton, I remember her in Gregory’s Girl, which I think is one of my favourite films ever!

“To be here with so many friends on such a beautiful, sunny day, is such a great moment for Renfrewshire.

“It’s a real thrill for us to welcome it to our local community.” Around 150 batonbearers took part in the Renfrewshire event — most of them community champions chosen for their tireless work in the area.

The day-long extravaganza began in Howwood before travelling through towns and villages Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, Elderslie, Linwood, Erskine, Houston, Inchinnan, Bridge of Weir and Brookfield, before a grand send off in Paisley.

The visit for the Queen’s Commonwealth baton marked the 34th day of its journey across Scotland. Johnstone Councillors Andy Doig, and his wife, Audrey, revealed they had been up since 6am to take part in the celebrations.

SNP man Andy Doig said: “This is an excellent turnout on behalf of the people of Johnstone and the villages.

“It’s terrific to see they are supporting the various baton bearers, I think this is because so many of them have such strong local connections.

“That shows that, at the heart of it, the people of Johnstone are very community-minded and that’s what is important to them.

“It’s also great to see Houston Square getting shown at its best to boost the sense of community in Johnstone.” Councillor Audrey Doig added: “We wanted to prove to our local communities that we are representing them.

“It’s great to come to local events that the entire community are taking part in to show our support for work that’s getting done in our community.” The fun continued through until noon in Johnstone, with the children lapping up circus-style entertainment and a unique street theatre.

Other batonbearers from Renfrewshire included Lesley Compston, from Linwood, John Delaney, from Lochwinnoch, Corinne Hutton, also Lochwinnoch, Helen Forrest, of Elderslie and Gareth Scott, of Johnstone.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Anne Hall, was out and about at many of the events during the day.

She said: “This was a very special day for Renfrewshire. People really took the event to their hearts and played their part in what was a very exciting spectacle.

“But above all we have a great sense of community – never better displayed than by our batonbearers, and by the people who lined the streets to cheer them on.

“I would like to thank everybody who came out and made this such a fantastic day.”