70 days 8,000 runners 8,000 miles Torch relay FAQs
Routes
Please turn on JavaScript. Maps require JavaScript.
- Day 1 Land's End to Plymouth May 19
- Day 2 Plymouth to Exeter May 20
- Day 3 Exeter to Taunton May 21
- Day 4 Taunton to Bristol May 22
- Day 5 Bristol to Cheltenham May 23
- Day 6 Gloucester to Worcester May 24
- Day 7 Worcester to Cardiff May 25
- Day 8 Cardiff to Swansea May 26
- Day 9 Swansea to Aberystwyth May 27
- Day 10 Aberystwyth to Bangor May 28
- Day 11 Beaumaris to Chester May 29
- Day 12 Chester to Stoke-on-Trent May 30
- Day 13 Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton May 31
- Day 14 Bolton to Liverpool June 1
- Day 15 Liverpool to Castletown June 2
- Day 16 Belfast to Portrush June 3
- Day 17 Carrick-a-Rede to Londonderry June 4
- Day 18 Londonderry to Newry June 5
- Day 19 Dublin to Belfast June 6
- Day 20 Newcastle to Moorfields June 7
- Day 21 Stranraer to Glasgow June 8
- Day 22 Glasgow to Inverness June 9
- Day 23 Kirkwall to Lerwick June 10
- Day 24 Stornoway to Aberdeen June 11
- Day 25 Aberdeen to Dundee June 12
- Day 26 St Andrews to Edinburgh June 13
- Day 27 Edinburgh to Alnwick June 14
- Day 28 Alnwick to Newcastle upon Tyne June 15
- Day 29 Gateshead to Durham June 16
- Day 30 Durham to Middlesbrough June 17
- Day 31 Middlesbrough to Hull June 18
- Day 32 Hull to York June 19
- Day 33 York to Carlisle June 20
- Day 34 Dumfries to Bowness-on-Windermere June 21
- Day 35 Kendal to Blackpool June 22
- Day 36 Lytham St Anne's to Manchester June 23
- Day 37 Salford to Leeds June 24
- Day 38 Leeds to Sheffield June 25
- Day 39 Sheffield to Cleethorpes June 26
- Day 40 Grimsby to Lincoln June 27
- Day 41 Lincoln to Nottingham June 28
- Day 42 Nottingham to Derby June 29
- Day 43 Derby to Birmingham June 30
- Day 44 Birmingham to Coventry July 1
- Day 45 Coventry to Leicester July 2
- Day 46 Leicester to Peterborough July 3
- Day 47 Peterborough to Norwich July 4
- Day 48 Norwich to Ipswich July 5
- Day 49 Ipswich to Chelmsford July 6
- Day 50 Chelmsford to Cambridge July 7
- Day 51 Cambridge to Luton July 8
- Day 52 Luton to Oxford July 9
- Day 53 Oxford to Reading July 10
- Day 54 Reading to Salisbury July 11
- Day 55 Salisbury to Weymouth July 12
- Day 56 Portland Bill to Bournemouth July 13
- Day 57 Bournemouth to Southampton July 14
- Day 58 Southampton to Portsmouth July 15
- Day 59 Portsmouth to Brighton July 16
- Day 60 Brighton to Hastings July 17
- Day 61 Hastings to Dover July 18
- Day 62 Deal to Maidstone July 19
- Day 63 Maidstone to Guildford July 20
- Day 64 Greenwich to Waltham Forest July 21
- Day 65 Redbridge to Bexley July 22
- Day 66 Lewisham to Wandsworth July 23
- Day 67 Kingston to Ealing July 24
- Day 68 Harrow to Haringey July 25
- Day 69 Camden to Westminster July 26
- Day 70 Hampton Court to Olympic Stadium July 27
70 days; 70 routes
- Day 1 Land's End to Plymouth
- Day 2 Plymouth to Exeter
- Day 3 Exeter to Taunton
- Day 4 Taunton to Bristol
- Day 5 Bristol to Cheltenham
- Day 6 Gloucester to Worcester
- Day 7 Worcester to Cardiff
- Day 8 Cardiff to Swansea
- Day 9 Swansea to Aberystwyth
- Day 10 Aberystwyth to Bangor
- Day 11 Beaumaris to Chester
- Day 12 Chester to Stoke-on-Trent
- Day 13 Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton
- Day 14 Bolton to Liverpool
- Day 15 Liverpool to Castletown
- Day 16 Belfast to Portrush
- Day 17 Carrick-a-Rede to Londonderry
- Day 18 Londonderry to Newry
- Day 19 Dublin to Belfast
- Day 20 Newcastle to Moorfields
- Day 21 Stranraer to Glasgow
- Day 22 Glasgow to Inverness
- Day 23 Kirkwall to Lerwick
- Day 24 Stornoway to Aberdeen
- Day 25 Aberdeen to Dundee
- Day 26 St Andrews to Edinburgh
- Day 27 Edinburgh to Alnwick
- Day 28 Alnwick to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Day 29 Gateshead to Durham
- Day 30 Durham to Middlesbrough
- Day 31 Middlesbrough to Hull
- Day 32 Hull to York
- Day 33 York to Carlisle
- Day 34 Dumfries to Bowness-on-Windermere
- Day 35 Kendal to Blackpool
- Day 36 Lytham St Anne's to Manchester
- Day 37 Salford to Leeds
- Day 38 Leeds to Sheffield
- Day 39 Sheffield to Cleethorpes
- Day 40 Grimsby to Lincoln
- Day 41 Lincoln to Nottingham
- Day 42 Nottingham to Derby
- Day 43 Derby to Birmingham
- Day 44 Birmingham to Coventry
- Day 45 Coventry to Leicester
- Day 46 Leicester to Peterborough
- Day 47 Peterborough to Norwich
- Day 48 Norwich to Ipswich
- Day 49 Ipswich to Chelmsford
- Day 50 Chelmsford to Cambridge
- Day 51 Cambridge to Luton
- Day 52 Luton to Oxford
- Day 53 Oxford to Reading
- Day 54 Reading to Salisbury
- Day 55 Salisbury to Weymouth
- Day 56 Portland Bill to Bournemouth
- Day 57 Bournemouth to Southampton
- Day 58 Southampton to Portsmouth
- Day 59 Portsmouth to Brighton
- Day 60 Brighton to Hastings
- Day 61 Hastings to Dover
- Day 62 Deal to Maidstone
- Day 63 Maidstone to Guildford
- Day 64 Greenwich to Waltham Forest
- Day 65 Redbridge to Bexley
- Day 66 Lewisham to Wandsworth
- Day 67 Kingston to Ealing
- Day 68 Harrow to Haringey
- Day 69 Camden to Westminster
- Day 70 Hampton Court to Olympic Stadium
Explore our map to find out where the torch is going each day or check the text version to see a list of locations.
- Map colour key
- Past day
- Today
- Future day
- Find out more
Estimated arrival times
-
Kirkwall
-
Lerwick
- Map colour key
- Start stop
- Finish stop
- Past stop
- Torch location
- Future stop
- Approximate route
- Find out more
Estimated arrival times
-
Kirkwall
- Albert Street
- Bridge Street
- Harbour street
- Junction Road
- New Scapa Road
- Holm Branch Road
- Holm Road (A961)
- Bignold Park Road
- Dundas Crescent
- Palace Road
- Broad Street
- Castle Street
- Junction Road
- Ayre Road
- Pickaquoy road
- Muddisdale Road
- Athletics Track Access Road
- Athletics Track
-
Lerwick
- Clickimin Leisure Centre
- North Lochside
- North Road
- King Harald Street
- Scalloway Road
- Hillhead
- Lower Hillhead
- King Erik St
- Market St
- Market Street
- Commercial Road (A969)
- A969
- Church Road
- Commercial Street
- Twageos Road
- Gressy Loan
- Knab Road
- The KNAB Footpath
- Breiwick Road
- Sletts Road
- Scalloway Road
- South Road
- A970
- Clickimin Broch
- Clickimin Leisure Centre - landing Jetty
- Clickimin Leisure Centre Car-park
- Clickimin leisure Centre - Athletics Track
Torch Relay News
Watch/Listen
-
Watch Olympic torch relay highlights -
Watch 'Olympomania' at Hyde Park -
Watch Torch visits Downing Street -
Watch 'Eddie and Patsy' carry flame -
Watch Bollywood star carries flame -
Watch Olympic torch: Banks at Wembley -
Watch Torch visits EastEnders set -
Watch Tennis stars in Olympic torch relay -
Watch South London hosts torch relay -
Watch Skier takes flame on London Eye
0833: Good morning and welcome to today's coverage of the torch relay.
Today the torch visits its northernmost destinations. First flying to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, and then on to Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands.
Your writers this morning are Sarah Holt and Claire Heald.
Remember you can contact us using the text, facebook and Twitter links below this text commentary.
0839: Torchcam itself cannot travel in the plane to the Northern Isles, but we hope to bring you some live pictures when the torch travels around Kirkwall and Lerwick.
Our team are following the torch and will bring you updates from the action on the islands, in Orkney this morning, and in Shetland in the afternoon.
0842: The BBC's Laura Bicker says the flight from the mainland has just landed in Kirkwall.
The torch convoy is due to arrive in town at 9am, at St Magnus Cathedral.
The sandstone landmark is known as the 'Light in the North' and was founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald in honour of his uncle St Magnus.
0848: Here is the moment the Olympic flame arrived in Orkney.
0855: The BBC's Laura Bicker in Kirkwall says: "Tiny villages of Orkney have been invaded by the torch relay team.
"This is a relatively flat landscape. As you fly over the islands you can see how remote and spread out the islands are.
"You can see fish farms dotted throughout the coastlines and tankers heading out to sea."
0856: And it's not just the transport for torchcam that's different on the islands. Laura adds: "Our flight was just over 30 mins from Inverness, but these islands are also home to the shortest flight in the world.
"Just 2 minutes on a 10 seater plane to take children to school, doctors to patients, and people to work.
"We are all thankful its dry as we're on an open top vehicle today."
Richard Woods is up bright and early to follow the torch. He's got in touch on Twitter: "@BBC2012 Torch just arrived by aircraft to Kirkwall. Watching Kirkwall Airport webcam."
0908: The first torchbearer to step up to the task this morning is Inga Kemp. The 22-year-old is involved in the island's netball and hockey teams and coaches the youth sides.
0911: The torch vehicles have reached town.
Travelling with the torch, the BBC's Laura Bicker says: "Crowds gathered outside St Magnus Cathedral waiting for their first glimpse.
"We've got a few organisational difficulties and the crowds are being patient. Brilliant turnout!"
0919: We can't bring you pictures today from the regular torchcam truck, as the flame, without its usual convoy, has flown in from Inverness.
And we will only be able to broadcast by using other kit if there is sufficient 3G signal in the area. At the moment, there isn't, but that may change through the day.
Our BBC reporters are with the flame, however, and will be bringing us coverage throughout the torch's journey on Day 23.
0922: Our reporter Laura Bicker was there for the moment the torch was lit in Orkney. She says: "Flame is lit now to big cheers.
"It seems like everyone on the island is here. Lots of excitement and support for the first torch bearer. Once we get going this could be really special."
0925: Young Benjamin Nicolson takes up the flame next. The 12-year-old is from the low-lying island of Stronsay, which is one of the isles that makes up the Orkneys.
Ben's nominee says he is "unfailingly courteous, reliable and respectful, takes time to listen to others and is fully committed to everything he does on and off the sports field".
0927: The BBC's Laura Bicker says: "Ben can't stop looking pleased! The streets are very narrow, so the convoy is having a tough ride!
"On to runner number three now local girl Alyson. No running for her as she's pregnant"
This relay leg should be straightforward for athlete Alyson Bain. The 23-year-old P.E. teacher, who once represented Scotland in the British Schools championships, is now encouraging the island's future sporting stars by running hockey, football and netball clubs.
0929: Morna Brown "shouts 'woo hoo' as she takes the torch!", our correspondent says.
"This athletics star from Orkney is enjoying every moment. Everyone knows her name and her smile is stunning! She's laughing the whole way."
The 18-year-old was part of the team who broke the Orkney record for women's relay swimming at the Isle of White Games - a bi-annual event contested by 25 islands from around the world - in 2011.
Morna also works for Scotland's Active Schools to encourage children to get active.
0933: Sean Mcfedries gets huge cheers as he takes the torch.
Sean has Down's Syndrome. He went to a rural skills college in Iverness to learn farming and gardening and he now runs a farm with his parents on the island of Hoy.
Sean also represented Orkney at the Commonwealth Games handover ceremony in 2010 when India officially handed the Games to the next hosts, Glasgow. In his spare time, Sean also plays the accordian and the drums.
0937: There were shouts of "C'mon Sean!" as Sean McFedries ran through Kirkwall.
Crowds of Orkney islanders were lining the streets on each side.
0937: What's this? An old rival of London Olympics chairman Sebastian Coe has taken up the torch in Kirkwall.
Adrian Askew, 58, once beat Coe in a race in his younger days and is now intent on finding the islands' next stars as he organises athletics, sailing, rugby and football events as well as triathlons.
0940: Bad transport news just in from the BBC's Laura Bicker.
"And media one (the torch vehicle with cameras and reporters on board) is having a few difficulties.
"We've broken down on a hill just outside Kirkwall!
"Just in front of torchbearer 12 year old Dean Shearer. We keep slipping backwards. Oh dear."
0941: The last man to run before the breakdown was Brian Lanni.
The 58-year-old has clocked 17 years as part of the coaching team for Orkney's rugby club and he's also been treasurer of the Kirwall Lifeboat Station for the same length of time.
The BBC's Katie Townsend tweets: "Today we are in a recycling van again, on Orkney. Only this one is electric and stuck on a hill. Rolling backwards."
0947: This was the moment the media vehicle broke down outside Kirkwall, halting the whole relay.
The BBC's Laura Bicker says: "It looks like, after a quick fix, we might be moving again!
"Twelve-year-old torchbearer Dean Shearer is taking it all in his stride."
0950: Kay McKerrell has come from Oban to carry the torch through Kirkwall.
Since moving to Oban three years ago, Kay has helped save the local cinema, volunteers as a drug and alcohol dependency councillor and also fosters dogs!
0952: Laura Bicker says: "Right! Were off again and as we climb the hill we can see the landscape behind. Beautiful dark rolling hillsides. Not a house in sight!
"We are on runner 11 Susan Whittingham, who is saying 'Hi' to nearly everyone.
"The crowds were a bit quieter out of town but as we head back to Kirkwall there's more support."
0958: "'Go Wullie', are the shouts for runner number 12, William Stewart," says the BBC's Laura Bicker.
"He gets a nice downhill leg and we can worry less about the vehicle going backwards! Although there is a suspicious burning smell.
"Heading back to town now, where most people are gathered. There are lots of Union and Olympic flags here."
1003: The next torchbear Rosie Cursiter stops to kiss two young children in the crowd during her leg as the torch does its second lap of Kirkwall.
Rosie has been nominated to carry the Olympic flame by her daughter. Rosie has got on her bike and pedalled through New Zealand, Israel and from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for charity.
1006: The BBC's Laura Bicker has spotted some brilliant iniative from the Sunday morning spectators: "Some of the crowd have made double sided banners - one had Morna is my hero on one side, and Helen is my hero on the other. Good planning for this double loop of the town."
1010: Strike up the band for the next torchbearer Tina Wood! The 24-year-old is a member of the Kirkwall pipe band, plays the accordion and is a highland dancer. When she's not got her dancing shoes on, Tina works at a day centre for adults with learning disabilities.
1015: A few spectators with a head for heights climb to the top of Bishop's Tower to catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame.
1017: Two more torchbearers in Kirkwall. From the town of Stromness comes Helen Rothnie. The 50-year-old is chairwoman of the Orkney swimming club.
She's followed by Helen Corsie, who achieved fame in the Orkney Islands when she claimed a shot put gold medal in the 2005 Island Games with the local press dubbing her "our Golden Girl". Since retiring from competition, Helen coaches.
1023: This was the moment earlier this morning when netball and hockey player Inga Kemp became the first Olympic torch bearer in Kirkwall.
1026: William Sichel is the last torchbearer in Kirkwall. He's a Scotland and Great Britain international athlete, setting ultra-distance running records after battling back from cancer. So, it seems appropriate that the Sanday islander gets to carry the Olympic flame around the town's athletics track.
1030: BBC's Laura Bicker says hundreds of people have turned out to watch William Sichel carry the Olympic flame on a lap of the track.
1032: William then lit the cauldron at the Pickaquoy centre's athletics track.
1036: The BBC's Laura Bicker has more details on the mid-morning celebration being held in Kirkwall. First up, a speech by council leader Steven Heddle. "The torch relay today is a chance to celebrate our torch bearers. Our chance to have a link with the Olympics. We hope the flame has been enriched by this journey and its time in Orkney - and the support here," he said.
1038: Laura also reports: "A new song for Orkney is being played, it's called For The Islands We Sing.
"It's all composed locally on guitar, fiddles and sung by local children. As an impartial BBC journalist am I allowed to say this is a beautiful moment?"
Yes, we think so! Here is the choir. Runner number six in this photo is Kari, who ran in place of her grandma Wilma Taylor. Wilma died three weeks ago of cancer and Kari says she hopes her gran would be proud.
1046: We have been unable to bring you live pictures of the relay so far this morning from Orkney.
To broadcast live pictures over 3G, we are reliant on a strong enough signal, which has not been present so far.
But we will keep on trying throughout this morning's trip to Orkney, and this afternoon's trip to Shetland.
In the meantime, we will bring you the latest on the torch, including updates from our reporters on the ground, here on the live page.
1052: The torch has finished its journey around Kirkwall and the celebration at the sports centre.
It is taking a morning break in the town, before heading off to Kirkwall Airport, where it flies off to the Shetland Islands just before midday.
1109: The Olympic flame has been up in the air a fair bit for its journey to the Northern Isles today. When it travels by flame it is transferred to four miners' lamps.
Press Association photographer Ben Birchall has tweeted this photo today of the flame in transit, adding: "I just love how the #olympicflame gets its own seat!"
1124: Hello to David Hyams, who has got in touch on Facebook to say: "A good morning to all from the Shetland Islands. We are very much looking forward to seeing the Olympic torch here in our capital, Lerwick, this afternoon."
1146: The torch is due to fly out of Orkney about now. And take the 50-minute flight to the Shetland Islands.
1150: Richard Woods has got his eagle eye on its progress and he has tweeted this photo of the plane carrying the flame as it prepares to leave Orkney.
1231: The BBC's Laura Bicker reports: "The Olympic flame is about to land in Lerwick in Shetland. From here 20 torchbearers will take it through the town. It will also go on a Viking long boat and in a helicopter."
1236: You may be interested to know that the Olympic torch relay is not the only unusual, round-the-UK event happening on the island today. The Hansel of Film project launched this morning in Lerwick - and hansel is Shetland dialect for a gift.
Film critic and blogger for the BBC, Mark Kermode explains: "The Hansel of Film project (is) a relay of short films made by members of the public that kicks off with a selection of mini-movies crafted entirely by Shetland locals. Think the Olympic torch relay but with less fire and more moving pictures."
1307: Catch the latest film footage from the BBC's Laura Bicker of the torch being lit in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, and see some of the day's torchbearers in action. She says: "The crowds were pretty incredible as the torch came into Kirkwall."
1314: The BBC's Laura Bicker reports that the flame has landed and is on a bus journey to Lerwick, driving through miles of heather and grass-covered hillsides. She says: "The Shetland Isles look beautiful and bleak at the same time. A mixture of dramatic cliff tops and rolling hills. As you look out to sea you can see the Fair isles sitting alone - a haven for bird life. These islands used to belong to Norway and are proud of their heritage. The flame will travel on a Yoal - a Norwegian longboat."
She adds: "We have a police escort as always but no need - even on this main road. Lerwick is the main town here, so let's see what reception the Olympic flame gets. I heard from one of the organisers in Kirkwall that they were slightly worried earlier in the week - but the turnout there was fantastic."
1319: Laura Bicker goes on to say: "The people here are expected to gather at the local Leisure Centre at around 1530 for a celebration of the flame. A cauldron will be lit and we are expecting a taste of local music. We are also expecting to see some people here in traditional Viking dress."
1339: And here it is - today's torch convoy!
The torch vehicles proper couldn't fly to Lerwick for the day, so this afternoon our reporters will be taking to this truck, and hanging on while they precede the runner on the torch relay.
It's a far cry from the torchcam vans - although, in golden and white, it IS the right colour.
1345: The BBC's Laura Bicker tells us all to stand by! "We are getting the convoy ready to go," she says. "Torchbearers should start running within the next 10 minutes. The sun is out, it's a little windy and cold and we are all bracing ourselves for a bumpy ride. Still no sign of crowds yet, but we are still outside Lerwick."
1352: Good afternoon! We currently have pictures of the torch relay in Shetland.
We hope to bring you coverage this afternoon as the torch makes its way to be paraded through the streets of Lerwick.
It looks cosy on that bus.
1358: John Nicolson is first up with the torch on Shetland.
He was nominated for being "instrumental in the provision of the sport and community facilities" in Shetland.
He became director of leisure and recreation for Shetland Islands Council in 1975 and is also a voluntary badminton and football coach working with young people.
Happy smiling crowds to greet John here.
1401: John, who is 74, is making his way along at a steady walk.
The BBC's Laura Bicker says: "Deafening cheers from schoolchildren all dressed up with banners as the first torch is lit in Lerwick.
"John is taking his time and enjoying the crowds. Lots of people have turned out to see him and the torch."
1406: Really windy. Lots of Shetland Islanders with wooly hats on.
This will be a real test for the torch.
1408: Bryden Priest, 12, is off at a trot. His nomination says he "plays an active role in his community to keep traditions alive and moving forward" and that he enjoys playing musical instruments especially the fiddle and accordion for community events.
1410: The crowds have decided to follow the convoy behind all the buses as the torch is passed to 12-year-old Bryden Priest, our reporter says.
Peter Schofield has posted this scenic photograph from Shetland on Twitter: "In Lerwick for the torch relay. Shetland knows how to party. Excited! @bbc2012 #bbctorchcam."
1412: Big cheers now as James Robertson takes the torch on, and up the street.
Lovely views of the island's hills behind the Lerwick houses.
1415: Taking on the torch with a big smile is Emily Shaw, 19, a member of of Scottish Youth Parliament and chair of youth forum Shetland Youth Voice.
She has worked with local paper The Shetland Times to tackle "the negative image of young people" with a column which details achievements and opportunities for young people in the area.
It's an uphill task here for Emily as the road climbs away, but she's making steady progress.
1421: The BBC's Laura Bicker says the crowds have given the torchbearers a fantastic reception: "The wonderful warm atmosphere here is aided by the fact everyone knows everyones name!
"It makes it so personal as the shouts ring through Lerwick."
1423: The torch has popped off for a photo opportunity on this beautiful island. And the relay convoy will join up with it again in a couple of minutes.
1424: Carrying the torch now is Belle Spence.
She's been all the way down to London to raise money in the marathon and doing the Moonwalk - the 26 mile route, but walking overnight.
At home in Shetland, she set up a money-raising relay for charity.
No troubles taking her part in the relay today here.
1431: Megan Keppie is given some word's of encouragement, "go on, you're doing brilliantly" from the torch security team, before she hands the flame on to Maggie Adamson.
1432: We split from the torch for a few minutes while it goes the other way.
But here comes Sharon Deyell with the torch.
And someone plays Chariot of Fire as she runs along.
Huge smiles from Sharon as she waves to all her friends and greets them on her way.
1436: She passes the flame on to Mark Wylie, 45, who has been coaching local children for 27 years in athletics, trampolining and now gymnastics.
Mark also led a team of volunteers to introduce gymnastics to schools in Zambia and has raised money to travel and work in Romanian orphanages.
He's got another steep hill to climb here.
1438: Today's torchcam, and torch microphone, is picking up a lot more of the chat between runners, their friends and the surrounding torch relay security team.
Sounds like everone is having a wonderful day out in this remote part of the British Isles.
Oh look - there's a Viking!
1440: While we're passing these fields, will the Olympic flame pass some of the islands' most-famous animal residents on its tour today?
Shetland ponies are said to have lived in the Shetland Isles since the Bronze Age and their compact size makes them hardy enough to survive harsh weather conditions.
1444: And the next runner is kicking up his heels in anticipation, as he waits for the flame to light his torch.
Here comes the relay - with dozens of Shetland Islanders chasing it down the hill.
1449: The torch has been off for a quick photo opportunity - at The Knab lookout.
The tip of this headland is known as the Horse of the Knab. According to legend, an American in 1778 was off put off sacking Lerwick but he decided against it after mistaking a group of women gathered on the Knab for soldiers.
The torch is back now, and the bearer is off on the next run.
1451: Gorgeous sunshine as the torch bearer runs along the road by the shore. And a band playing in the background.
1453: This is fencer Christopher Rocks, 24, who in 2010 won the Scottish Open Championship.
He represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Australia that year - and won bronze - and is currently volunteering for an international development organisation in Nairobi in Kenya.
1457: "A steady jog up the road and smile all the way," is the advice from the Met policeman on the torch security team for Zoe Buchanan, 16.
She won a gold medal for badminton and four other medals at the British Transplant Games in Belfast in 2011, just 17 months after having a transplant operation with a kidney donated by her mother.
They are a sporty bunch of Shetland Islanders running today.
1459: Shouts of "Zo-e, Zo-e now. And three cheers for her.
She's walking up the hill under beautiful blue skies here.
1502: Matthew Cox, 42, is holding the torch high with a broad grin. He helped start up and currently coaches the local swimming club, his nomination states. In his spare time he is a retained firemen.
1506: As the relay pulls away, here was the scene earlier as a Viking guard of honour welcomed the torch.
1507: The torch is taking a trip on a Yoal boat now, a long ship.
The BBC history site tells us: "The Vikings were daring masters of the sea. Their swift wooden longships, equipped with both sails and oars, enabled them to mount piratical raids on the coastal monasteries and settlements of the British Isles, western Europe and beyond.
"The shallow draught of these ships meant that they were able to reach far inland by river and stream, striking and moving on before local forces could muster."
Great shots now of the Vikings coming in from the Broch of Clickimin.
A couple of young little Vikings bringing up the rear.
1516: We can't follow the torch on its journey on the water.
But the torch convoy is waiting here with the crowds at Clickimin Leisure Centre, where people have gathered to celebrate with the torch before it heads off on its journey back to the mainland.
1521: From here, it will take a helicopter to Sumburgh. From there the torch flies to Stornoway, in the Western Isles, but a torch will also visit John O'Groats, on the mainland, this afternoon.
The mysteriously-named Darkpeakbirder has got on touch on Twitter to say: "@BBC2012 Liked the view of the Vikings better than the current view of the skip :))"
Indeed Darkpeakbirder.
Our coverage from Shetland is ending now, and the Olympic flames will be off in the helicopter soon.
We can't follow them, but we hope to bring pictures of the photo opportunity at John O'Groats later on.
1537: That wraps it up from your writers Sarah Holt and Claire Heald.
Taking over this afternoon as the torch heads past John O'Groats at about 1730BST and to the Western Isles for the night is Helen Bushby and Jenny Minard.
1622: Don't forget you can contact us on Facebook, Twitter @bbc2012 or send an SMS message to 61124.
1624: While we're waiting for the flame to reach John O'Groats, why not take a look at this report as it flew into Orkney.
On Facebook, Helen Mary Davidson says: "Beautiful day in Shetland! Wonderful scenery!"
1629: Lots of people are commenting on Facebook and Twitter.
The Met Police tweets: "Today some of the torch security team are in the Scottish Islands with the Olympic flame. Great atmosphere."
And Clyne McCarthy tweets: "At John O'Groats waiting for Olympic torch to arrive. Exciting stuff! Son is mega excited."
1702: Earlier the flame was greeted by a Viking guard of honour. Here, you can take a look at a selection of pictures.
1719: Not too long now until we see the flame at John O'Groats - crowds are gathering, including children with carefully made torches, complete with glowing tissue-paper flames.
1725: And here are two torchbearers with their torches, Andrew Sinclair and Louis MacKinnon, both 18, standing by the famous John O'Groats sign in a big moment for the flame in the Northern Isles.
1727: Much cheering and clapping from the crowds. The flames are holding up well in the breeze. Hundreds of people gathered to see this, there's plenty of chattering and laughing as people start to leave the site.
1733: So that's it from the torch relay for today from Helen Bushby and Jenny Minard - thanks for all your comments and tweets - keep them coming in the days to come. Do check out this report from the BBC's Laura Bicker and our picture gallery from today. Tomorrow you can look forward to the torch visiting the Granite City of Aberdeen - so don't forget to log on!
Get Involved