THE Commonwealth Games opening ceremony certainly made an impression with Scots – but not necessarily a good one.
The event started with the King and Queen striding out of the Tardis, which was piloted by cycling star Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh.
Emerging from the Tardis, Charles and Camilla had a prominent role in the show at the Hydro arena in Glasgow as the 11-day sporting extravaganza gets under way.
After the parade of athletes – 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories are competing – from the Commonwealth nations taking part in the Games, actor Sam Heughan shared the stage with an animatronic Loch Ness monster in the next segment of the show.
Singer Nathan Evans performed Scotland Is A Place Called Home amid energetic flashmob dancers representing the people of Glasgow.
An enormous Tunnocks teacake also made an appearance during the finale.
But many Scots on social media weren’t impressed – including the choice of music and musicians.
“One of the parts of its cultural identity of which Glasgow is most proud is music. So many amazing and influential bands and musicians have come from this city,” journalist Michael McEwan said.
One of the parts of its cultural identity of which Glasgow is most proud is music. So many amazing and influential bands and musicians have come from this city. So, it's a little disappointing that two of the headline musical numbers at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony…
— Michael McEwan (@MMcEwanGolf) July 23, 2026
“So, it's a little disappointing that two of the headline musical numbers at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony have been the oh-so-tired "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" by a Spanish duo, and "I'm Gonna Be" by The Proclaimers ... from Edinburgh .”
Some also took issue with what they said was the cliched nature of the show. “The way Scotland is portrayed as whisky, Tunnocks teacakes, Irn Bru is actually quite offensive btw. We pretty much invented everything and you have this sh**e,” said one Twitter/X user.
Reacting to this, academic Dr Gavin Brewer said: “This is an important point and highlights the power and influence of Scottish capitalism in shaping what is presented as our culture and identity. Whisky , Tennents, Irn Bru, and Tunnocks, not just the brands of our nation, but the symbolic embodiment of it. Ingrained ideals.”
One user added: “We are so cringey.”
Another agreed: “This was total cringe and I am Scottish .”
At the end of the ceremony, the King’s baton arrived at the arena.
The baton contained a chamber for the King’s message, which was placed inside in March 2025 before it travelled around the world as part of a 500-day multinational relay.
The King then stood to formally declare the Games open.
