Inspired by the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow next week VSA, the leading social care charity supporting people across Aberdeen and the North-east, has launched its own torch relay, bringing together staff, volunteers and the people it supports in a week-long celebration of community, connection and care.
The VSA Torch Relay 2026, themed “One Flame. One Community. Carrying Care Together,” started on Monday 13th July and will last until this Friday (17th July 2026), ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which run from 23rd July to 2ndAugust 2026.
The relay, which has a symbolic torch, will be passed between VSA services across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, beginning at Castle Street and culminating with a special Carrying Care Together Ceremony at Broomhill Park Activity Centre.
Inspired by the spirit of the Commonwealth Games, the initiative has been designed to unite VSA communities, encouraging participation from service users, residents, staff and volunteers in a way that is accessible and inclusive.
Alongside the walking sections of the route, every service has been encouraged to get involved by creating cheer stations, making their own torches and banners, dressing up, enjoying music and games, and inviting family and friends to join the celebrations.
A single ceremonial torch will be carried from service to service by designated “Keepers of the Torch”, while each location will also create a scrapbook of messages, drawings and photographs capturing the memories made along the way.
The relay route will connect VSA services across the region, including Cloverfield Grove, Northfield Lodge, Forestgait Lodge, Queen Mother House, Arrdeir House, Broomhill Park, Craigton Grove, Linn Moor School and Easter Anguston Farm.
At the conclusion of the relay, participants will gather at Broomhill Park Activity Centre for a celebration recognising the enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit shown throughout the week. Every participant will receive a commemorative medal, while awards will recognise achievements including the most inspiring service, the most creative torch design and the brightest cheer station.
Holly Leiper, Head of Communications and Fundraising at VSA, says: "The Commonwealth Games are about so much more than sport – they celebrate teamwork, resilience, inclusion and community, values that are at the very heart of VSA. Our Torch Relay is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the people we support, our staff, volunteers and families in a week-long celebration of everything that makes our organisation so special.
"Inspired by Glasgow 2026, we wanted to create our own legacy of connection and kindness across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Whether someone walks part of the route, creates a torch, waves from a cheer station or simply joins in the celebrations, everyone can play a part. It’s about making sure nobody is left behind and ensuring everyone feels part of something bigger.
"From Castle Street to Easter Anguston Farm, we’ll be carrying more than a torch – we’ll be carrying hope, friendship and the spirit of care that has defined VSA for more than 155 years. We can’t wait to see our communities come together and show that when we carry care together, amazing things happen.”
Families, friends and members of the public are encouraged to cheer on participants as the torch makes its way across the North-east. While the event is primarily for VSA services, supporters are invited to show their encouragement and celebrate the community spirit that defines the charity.
As Scotland prepares to welcome athletes and visitors from across the Commonwealth next summer, VSA’s Torch Relay will provide its own opportunity to celebrate unity, friendship and inclusion, proving that everyone can play a part in carrying care together.
For more information about the VSA Torch Relay 2026, or to support the charity’s work, visit www.vsa.org.uk.