2014 Commonwealth Games Begins - Opening Ceremony Photos

Glasgow has welcomed the world with an exuberant and proud opening ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games at the city's Celtic Park.

Actor John Barrowman led the evening's entertainment, as he paraded around the arena, singing the praises of Scotland's contributions to the planet - not least Tunnocks Tea Cakes and an Irn Bru Forth Bridge.

Dressed in a purple suit, Barrowman made his entrance from beneath a giant kilt and kissed a veil-wearing male 'bride' at a mock Gretna Gree.

Then, as dozens of dancers jigged around him, the flamboyant star took an estimated one billion viewers on a journey celebrating the Loch Ness monster, heather, and the nation's inventions, such as the TV and the steam engine.

There was singing on top of whisky barrels and St Andrews was celebrated as the home of golf.