Iona Anderson’s love of her Scottish grandparents is matched only by the love she has for Scotland.

Anderson had a golden chance to shine in the women’s 100m backstroke final at the Commonwealth Games following five-time Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown’s withdrawal.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tears flow in Aussie’s ‘beautiful’ reunion with her Scottish grandma

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The 20-year-old seized her moment in Glasgow, underlining why she is regarded as one of Australia’s future stars with a pressure-laden time of 58.71 seconds that consigned Canadian Kylie Masse (58.77) to silver.

“She’s done it! Scottish heritage running through her veins. And here in Glasgow she takes gold for Australia,” Alister Nicholson said on Channel 7.

Anderson, who recovered from a debilitating back injury last year that required bed rest and five months on the sidelines, rushed over to family as soon as she could.

“It was so awesome, she did a lap and she saw her grandma ... Pam was there absolutely trembling,” Katie Brown said on Sunrise.

“Just to have that moment of realisation that this means so much more to not only the athlete but the families, when you put that in perspective everyone is supporting them. It was just pure, pure joy.”

David Woiwod said: “That is a beautiful, beautiful moment ... to see Pam there, full tears, and her granddaughter doing so well on the international stage.”

Iona Anderson, who is named after a Scottish island, won a gold medal in front of family in Glasgow. Credit: AAP

Anderson’s hug with grandmother Pam was particularly poignant for the young gun with tartan-patterned nails.

“It was really special to have her here,” Anderson said.

“She was pretty emotional, there weren’t many words.

“She was just really happy and really stoked for me. She’s always messaging me and always giving me good luck wishes, so that was really special to see her after the race.

“They (grandparents) live in Grangemouth.

“I’ve never really swam in front of them before, so it was really special to have them here.

“Personally for me, I think Glasgow is better than Victoria (hosting this event). I do like the Scottish, I love the Scottish.”

Iona Anderson donned tartan-patterned nails in Glasgow. Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Anderson is named after a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland.

“I came back last year. That was my first time in eight years coming back,” she said.

“This is my fourth time back in Scotland, so it’s really special every time I get to see them (grandparents).”

Anderson was full of praise for McKeown’s mentorship, while she revealed the full extent of last year’s back injury.

“It was a really long rehab. I was out for about five months and a lot of bed rest in there,” the West Australian said.

“I had quite a few bulging discs and a stress fracture in my back.

“So it was really special just to come out here and I guess see myself getting back to my best.”

— with 7NEWS