Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) A lone bagpiper walked to the centre stage, playing a haunting tune. Hundreds of performers dressed in traditional red-striped tartan kilts ran behind him and lifted him up. In true Scottish spirit, Glasgow showcased, at the closing ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the enthusiasm with which it is preparing to host the 2014 edition of the event.

The performers unfurled huge lengths of red tartan, creating a Labyrinth. As a second piper appeared on the scene, the lengths were reversed to display green tartans. The pipers begin to walk towards each other on pathways of planks held aloft by the performers.

A giant structure inflated to form the arc over the Clyde river that is also called the “squinty bridge” as it crosses the river at an angle. This then converted into the iconic Clyde Auditorium, fondly referred to as the Armadillo.

And, in an amazing precision display, the 352 performers then spun the Armadillo on its axis.

A celtic knot, especially created for the performance was formed and a Highland dance was staged in front of the Armadillo, even as the music reached a climax.

As the Armadillo dispersed, the arches reformed to represent the Loch Ness monster. The monster, also known as Nessie, then swam out of the stadium, playfully wagging her tail and bobbing her head.

Definitely a show-stealer of a performance.