Susan Boyle took part in the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, performing a rendition of “Mull of Kintyre” at Celtic Park. The Scottish singer, originally from West Lothian, expressed her pride in performing on home ground for such a significant event. Her performance ushered in the Queen, an experience she admitted made her nervous, given the presence of the British monarch and head of the Commonwealth.
The song, originally written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, is a tribute to the beautiful Kintyre peninsula in western Scotland. Boyle’s performance was part of a star-studded lineup that included Scottish rock musician Rod Stewart and renowned classical violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Stewart’s participation led to some discussion about his Scottish roots, as he was born and raised in north London despite having a Scottish father. Another well-known figure, Billy Connolly, contributed to the event through a videolink, sharing Glasgow’s message of support for the late Nelson Mandela.
The opening ceremony also featured comedian Karen Dunbar, who welcomed athletes from across the Commonwealth, marking the beginning of the 11-day competition. Glasgow took center stage as it hosted the event, with the closing ceremony set to take place at Hampden Park on August 3. International pop star Kylie Minogue was scheduled to perform at the conclusion of the games.
Susan Boyle’s performance was a memorable moment, highlighting her ability to bring emotion and depth to a song that holds significance for Scotland. Her presence at such a global event further solidified her status as one of the country’s most celebrated voices.