Aberdeen ignited by London 2012 Olympic Torch

70 days, 8 000 torchbearers and the beginning of a sporting event that sees the world come together.  

Crowds line the sides of Union Street in Aberdeen to secure their places to cheer the torchbearers on and catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame. 

Large screens show the crowds what is happening on the main stage set up at Castlegate Square. 

Entertainers keep the crowds in good spirits as they brave the cold while waiting for the torchbearer to make the last leg of its journey into Aberdeen. 

A birds eye view for the police. 

People of all ages came to see this once in a lifetime event. 

The final torchbearer of the day was Evelyn Capper, 60, voted by her community for her dedication and warmth as a full time foster carer. 

 Professional golfer and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie OBE also carried the torch on its journey into Aberdeen. 

The torch will continue on to Dundee, Edinburgh, York and many other towns before ending at the Olympic stadium on the 27th July during the Olympic Games opening ceremony. 

I waited more than two hours in the cold at the side of the road in a crowd of thousands for just a glimpse of   a torch that flickered by me almost quicker than I could take a photo. Many would ask if it was worth it, and I would have to answer them 'yes, it was'. I guess the only way I can explain it is that the Olympic flame is all about symbolism. For me the torches represent what Pierre de Coubertin describes as 'an increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic and more courageous' 

And finally the whiskey

Aw yes the whiskey, well let's just say that it is indeed an acquired taste and word of warning to anyone planning on visiting Scotland don't ever suggest to a Scotsman that adding a splash of lime to the whiskey will result in a more enjoyable taste, unless you are Usain Bolt. 

Despite the fact that I didn't discover a love for the brown nectar of the Scots while in Malt Whiskey Country I did find the distillery fascinating. First off you can't photograph or use your mobile in the actual distillery because apparently it could blow up! No lies people, at first I was like come on my camera is not a potential fire hazard but after doing a tour through The Glenlivet Distillery I too would be cautious. That whiskey starts out SUPER potent - alcohol not even Chuck Norris could handle it. 

Being a South African who has visited Cape Town numerous times I am quite familiar with the amazing wine farms that we have and was intrigued to discover the similarities being the maturing of wine and whiskey. Well I am not going rattle on about the intricate way in which whiskey is made as you have to experience all the intense smells, heat and huge boilers yourself. So make if ever you see a sign for a distillery that you stop and check it out. Most of them give free tours that conclude with a free whiskey tasting, in case any of you require more incentive.   

'The single malt that started it all'