Crowds salute Commonwealth team

The crowds in Aberdeen cheered the athletes during the bus tour

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Aberdeen to honour the country's Commonwealth Games athletes.

Double gold medallists David Carry and sharpshooter Sheena Sharp were among those in an open-top bus parade.

The bus moved down Union Street led by a pipe band as thousands of onlookers cheered, applauded and waved Scottish flags.

Aberdeen's Lord Provost John Reynolds said it was the "best day of his life" since taking up the post.

Team Scotland won a total of 29 medals in Melbourne - 11 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze.

Carry, who is from the granite city, and Sharp, from Huntly, were joined by shooter Neil Stirton and local swimmer Robbie Renwick, who both picked up silver medals at the games in Melbourne.

Hopefully we can use this as a platform and show that Scotland and Aberdeen can perform at the highest level David Carry Athlete

"It is just such an incredible honour," Carry said.

"I can't believe our swimming team did so well in Australia and Melbourne has created so much excitement.

"Hopefully we can use this as a platform and show that Scotland and Aberdeen can perform at the highest level."

At the end of the tour, the bus stopped at the city's Town House and the athletes were greeted by youngsters from the City of Aberdeen Swim Team.

'Fantastic reception'

They threw their large Scotland flags, which they had draped round them on the bus, into the crowd.

Ms Sharp said: "It was a fantastic reception for what has been a very successful games for us.

"We went out there as a team, we were prepared, and it is great that our achievements have been recognised."

Mr Reynolds said: "It is fantastic welcoming everybody from the team back and they have done a tremendous job.

"It was also great to see so many youngsters out on the streets because they are the champions of tomorrow."