(Image source from: Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 opens to a spectacular start})

Last night was a welcoming and well-deserved break for the Scottish, who for once rose above their crotchety contemplation and heated discourse and treated the world to an exuberant, genial, star-studded, albeit a chaotic evening.

From a giant haggis to cabers to golf clubs and from a gay wedding to 41 Scottish terriers to Rod Stewart, the £20million worth opening ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was far spectacular than the Scottish could have fathomed.

By far the biggest sporting event on British soil since the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games 2014 opened to raining fireworks. Needless to say, the warmth of the reception for the Queen gave this national milestone the dignity it deserved.

Actor John Barrowman leading hundreds of dancers between a spoof Forth Bridge, propped up on cans of Irn-Bru, and a giant kilt was visual treat. A huge haggis rose out of a tartan box while an archway representing the Dunlop tyre morphed into Nessie.

Equally enthralling was the sight of a youthful 30ft Queen towering over a tiny Subo with Pipes and Drums of the Scottish Regiments marching in.

Behind them, paraded in Braemar Gathering, the Monarch’s local Highland games near Balmoral, carrying cabers and hefty tug-o’-war ropes. Behind them came the State Bentley, driving round the touchline and the Queen and Prince Philip waving away. At which point, the Red Arrows shot overhead. Glorious stuff.

Unlike the Olympics, where it's a tradition for teams to be led in by either a schoolchild or a beauty queen, last night, each team was led by a Scottish terrier.

Scotland’s greatest living sportsman, Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy gave away the honor of taking the Commonwealth baton up to the Queen in the Royal Box.

Last night's events will be remembered as a landmark in the modern history of Scotland, no matter where it's fate stands.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury