Today, the 13th of June 2012, I saw the Olympic torch.
It's a bit like the build up to the gala day only on a much larger scale. The police are about and patrolling the streets, Central Scotland Police & the Met as well.
The people begin to line the streets, school children standing, eagerly awaiting to see what is going to happen. People come out from their place of work on an extended break, partly because they can and partly to see what all the fuss is about. I daresay that many of them had the same initial reaction as I did, with the nonchalant, 'whatever' and rolling eyes heaven ward.
But it's more than that. Way more.
There is the bus with the torch bearers, all immaculately dressed in their London Olympic 2012 white track suits, all waiting their turn to share this historic event.
There are the crew of organisers speaking quietly into their radios giving and receiving updates on where the convoy is and when it is due to arrive.
The convoy involves police motorbikes, who not only wave at the crowds but go and touch the outstretched hands of school children, all delighted to be involved. The big police BMWs with 'Metropolitan Police' emblazoned down the sides, windows down, again waving to the crowds in the street, lights on with the occasional siren come next, drawing yet more interest from the bystanders, radio and tv crews.
Then come the convoy of sponsors buses. Handing out some items to school children and old people alike, no one is exempt for the party atmosphere.
At the beginning of the route, the torch bearer comes out of the bus to massive cheers from the crowd.
Where we were, torch bearer number 46 stood with a face awash with pride for what he was about to do. Some of the staff from the surrounding offices, ushered the kids to the front of the crowd for a better and much closer look.
Tom Sreeves spoke to the children and answered all their questions, he posed for photographs and took his time to share his honour with us, the public.
It has to be said, the torch is beautiful. For some reason I expected it to feel cold and a bit rough around the 8000 perforated circles, but it doesn't.
When the torch is lit, it is done in a circle of met police officers all in matching silver shorts and tshirts, the only way you know they are police is from the warrant cards proudly displayed on their arm. Like a precision operation the flame is safely passed from one person to the next.
And that is what today was all about, inspiration, pride, joy and us all coming together in celebration.
It's not everyday you witness history, but, today on the 13th of June 2012, I touched the Olympic torch.
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