Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
But the Commonwealth Games are just a mere fraction of what Scotland can and will do. And that is what excites me more than anything. It shows that our country can not only stand on its own two feet, but currently at number three in the medals table, this demonstrates that it can thrive among some of the most successful and prominent countries in the world.
This summer, we are seeing first-hand the talent that Scotland is capable of, and the potential it holds. Scotland ranks among the best of the best in the sporting world, as has been seen in these Games.
However there has been a fear expressed that in 2018 Scotland may not have the chance to compete, as independence could spell a departure from the Commonwealth, and therefore from the Games. This of course is nonsense and the argument holds even less water following the superb success of Team Scotland in Glasgow.
Given that the vast majority of the 71 countries and territories represented at the Games have already gone through the process of becoming independent, I don’t think this should be a great worry for Scotland.
The confidence and pride that the people of Scotland are feeling right now, due to our substantial medal haul and the hundreds of thousands attracted to Glasgow, is a mere glimpse of what we could experience as an independent country, in control of what we can offer the world.
More and more people are paying attention to Scotland as our athletes step onto the podium to collect their medals, and come September it will be our turn. Each one of us will be given the chance to vote for our country’s independence.
I believe that the Commonwealth Games is merely bringing out what the people of Scotland already know to be true but have maybe been afraid to admit to in the past - Scotland can be proud in its achievements and will not always be the underdog.
Unlike the Olympics which is a huge, vast and world-wide competitive field, the Commonwealth Games offer a smaller, closer to home atmosphere that get people more involved directly with what’s happening, more invested in their hometowns and communities. I have felt it too - the Scottish pride as our athletes compete and win. And that feeling is something that I carry with me every day when I travel around the Banff and Buchan Coast, noting the achievements of locals.
I have enjoyed seeing how the Commonwealth Games have brought people together and joined us, regardless of opinion or background. And just round the corner, the Ryder Cup will receive the baton to display the sporting prowess of Scotland in another international event.
Right now people are gathering for the joy of the sport, but let us not forget the country our feet stand on, and the home we call our own, which has the potential to be among the most successful in the world.
