Veteran trap shooter Susan Nattrass, an eight-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, carried Canada's flag into the stadium. The team was decked out in a uniform sporting Canada’s tartan.

Canada has sent a team of 265 athletes — its largest ever for a Commonwealth Games held outside the country.

Rod Stewart and Susan Boyle headlined the ceremony, which included a giant kilt, Scottish dancing, an inflatable Loch Ness Monster, and other delights.

Sir Chris Hoy of Scotland, the most successful Olympian in British history, presented the Commonwealth Games baton to Queen Elizabeth II, who declared the competition officially open.

Legendary Canadian para-athlete and Canada’s chef de mission Chantal Petitclerc helped carry the Commonwealth Games flag into the stadium. (KH/cbc)