Latest news with #Glasgow2014
Scotsman
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
A Games legacy to be proud of in the spotlight once again
The Commonwealth Games are returning to communities flourishing in the wake of Glasgow 2014, writes to Niki Spence Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In just a year's time Glasgow will welcome back the Commonwealth Games to our city, albeit a pared back version. This will, just 12 years after Scotland last hosted the Games, showcase Glasgow to the world. Importantly, it will once again show the transformational change that has been made in the communities which played host to the Games back in 2014. The east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen were at the heart of this, being home to the Athletes' Village and world-class venues like the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Emirates Arena. In the intervening years between the Games, these venues have hosted premier sporting events like the 2018 European Championships, the World Cycling Champions in 2023, and most recently the 2024 World Athletics Championships. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But what is really important is what happened for the communities around these venues. Prior to the Games in 2014, Clyde Gateway was established to revitalise the area and remove barriers to investment after decades of economic decline. Of course, a sporting legacy is important, but a long term, holistic, socio-economic regeneration programme is essential for delivering lasting change. Niki Spence is Head of Sustainable Communities at Clyde Gateway As a result of contamination from heavy industries of the past, like chemical works and gas power stations, huge swathes of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton were unable to be developed. However, extensive remediation, now totalling almost 750 acres of land, has unleashed the creation of new, award-winning greenspaces, and created quality places to live, work and play. At Cuningar Loop, a former landfill site, there is now the Riverside Woodland Park with a bike skills area and Scotland's first outdoor bouldering park. It now even has its own parkrun every weekend. Since its inception, Clyde Gateway has spearheaded the delivery of over 4,000 new homes and secured £1.5 billion of inward investment in our communities. It has created 8,300 new jobs for the area and built more than 160,000 sqm of brand new, high quality, business space. Rutherglen is now home to an international entertainment brand, TopGolf, driving economic growth and footfall, but what is most important is that almost 80 per cent of their employees have been taken on from local communities. That is because everything that Clyde Gateway does is rooted in local people. We support Baltic Street Adventure Playground, an incredible space in Dalmarnock that has now helped over 900 families. Or the 4,600 local people have participated in our employability programmes which tackle persistent worklessness, many of whom have gone on to work in green jobs or even set up their own businesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is no sign of this progress slowing down. Clyde Gateway recently announced a new £500m masterplan that will transform over 100 hectares of land into a mixed-use ecosystem of homes, hotels, business and commercial space, all powered by low carbon heat networks and green infrastructure. It will harness the power of the so-called triple helix of innovation – that is, the research expertise of the University of Strathclyde being leveraged in parallel with funding and commercialisation from the private and public sectors. This will help bolster the futures of local people, creating jobs and transforming lives. The Commonwealth Games returning presents another springboard to deliver for people living in the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen. Leveraging public and private sector investment, Clyde Gateway can maintain the focus on delivering regeneration focused on people, place and jobs. With the help of local communities, we can ensure Glasgow's east end continues to shine on the world stage, not just for the Commonwealth Games, but for generations to come.
The National
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
There's only a year until Glasgow 2026 so why do we know so little?
We're now just twelve months out from the Opening Ceremony (if there'll be one) of Glasgow 2026. Wednesday will mark one year to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Games begin and it's a notable milestone. It's increasingly hard, though, to be sure of where things stand with the Games. There's a few things we know for sure. It'll be a considerably scaled-down Games from that which came to the city in 2014. Eleven years ago, Glasgow 2014 dominated the city, in the best possible way. There were 17 sports on the programme and more than a few truly global superstars turned up in Glasgow - most notably Usain Bolt - to contend for medals. Glasgow successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014. (Image: Getty Images) Next summer will be a completely different entity. There'll only be ten sports on the programme, with just four venues being utilised. This announcement about the sports programme came at the same time as Glasgow was confirmed as the host city - which only transpired after a truly disastrous couple of years which saw city after city withdraw from hosting duties and had left the entire future of the [[Commonwealth Games]] in serious doubt - and at the host city announcement, it was also guaranteed that not a penny of the £100 million that it'll cost to stage the Games will come from the public purse. But since these announcements last October, precious little information about the progress of the preparations has been disclosed by the organising committee. Last month, it was revealed that work to upgrade Scotstoun Stadium, which will host the athletics event at Glasgow 2026, had begun, with the athletics track being ripped-up and the temporary stands at either end of the stadium being dismantled. And in an update that can be seen as entirely meaningless and can be put on the shelf labelled 'gimmick', the Glasgow 2014 mascot, Clyde, was ruled out of the running for the 2026 Games (not sure there's many who care one way or another about the fate of Clyde but I suppose I can't have a go at the organisers for trying to be funny). And earlier this week, the Games tartan was revealed. But that's it. With the Glasgow 2026 kicking-off in twelve months and three days time, almost all details are unknown. It's hard to know if the lack of openness about the preparations is a good or a bad thing. Much of the radio silence has to be, it must be assumed, an expectation-management tactic and for this, the organisers cannot be blamed in the slightest. It's already clear that Glasgow 2026 will be a much diminished event in comparison to Glasgow 2014 and building up any kind of lofty expectations will only serve to wind-up the considerable proportion of the population who believe hosting the Games next summer is a pointless, frivolous and unnecessary undertaking. And also, high expectations will only damage the Games when they arrive next summer and are, clearly, not a patch on the event that graced the city in 2014. It's not all negative, though. I've long been a sceptic of the value and, frankly, the point of Glasgow hosting next summer's Commonwealth Games. But even I can feel my scepticism dwindling. On Wednesday, which marks exactly one year-to-go, there'll be some ambassadors announced, and the new mascot will be revealed. We might get a few more crumbs of information and we'll certainly get a load of administrator-esque speak about inspiration and excitement and opportunity. The lack of talk about legacy this time, though, is notable given it's a word that was repeated to death in the lead-up to Glasgow 2014 (and which has, in many respects, failed to materialise). Omitting the sales-push about legacy this time around has to be considered a smart move considering how difficult it will be to leave much of a legacy at all from next summer's event. Wednesday will mark one year to go until Glasgow 2026 There has been one interesting development since Glasgow's confirmation as host city for the 2026 Games, though, and it's the apparent transformation of the fortunes of the Commonwealth Games in the longer-term. Prior to Glasgow stepping-in to host next summer's event, it appeared there would be no 2026 Commonwealth Games at all given the reluctance of any other city to touch it with a barge pole. It had become widely accepted that the Commonwealth Games, or certainly the Commonwealth Games at the scale it had reached, was not a sustainable entity. No longer was any city willing to pump literally hundreds of millions of pounds (much of which was public money) into something that had a top-tier price tag but is clearly not a top-tier sporting event. But Glasgow's willingness to step-in next summer - had it not been for Glasgow's last-gasp move, I fully believe the Commonwealth Games would never have been seen again - it seems the entire future of the event has been transformed. Perhaps transformed is a touch too strong, but it's definitely prevented its future from being blown to smithereens, which is what was perilously close to happening because with no 2026 Games, I can't see how there would ever have been a 2030 Games and beyond. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Games Federation revealed there were seven expressions of interest for the 2030 and 2034 Games, with Canada, India, Nigeria, plus two others publicly confirming their interest in the centenary Games in 2030, while New Zealand is one of two nations looking at hosting the 2034 edition. Without Glasgow 2026, there'd have been none of this. Glasgow's move to significantly scale-down the event will certainly diminish the Games in many respects next summer, but it's also provided a blue print for a number of other countries who had been baulking at the Games in its previous, large-scale iteration. We'd reached a point that the Commonwealth Games was ping-ponging between the UK and Australia (since the turn of the century, only the 2010 Games in India had been held outwith the UK or Australia) but this seems to have now changed. For those who desire a future for the Commonwealth Games, this can only be seen as a good thing. But as it stands, we know little more than the Games is coming to Glasgow next summer. There remains many details to be clarified and much information to be revealed as to how the Games will actually look. Over the next twelve months, as the Games itself draws nearer, things will become considerably clearer. I hope that the closer it gets, anticipation displaces scepticism amongst the wider public (and me) but the only way to build a modicum of excitement is to stop being so opaque and start showing us what there is to get excited about.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
TRNMST map reveals exactly where you can find FREE water amid summer scorcher
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRNSMT fans can stay cool this weekend – thanks to a handy map showing exactly where to grab FREE water as temperatures soar. The sun-soaked festival kicked off at Glasgow Green today and runs right through until Sunday night – with 50 Cent, The Script, Biffy Clyro, Gracie Abrams, Fontaines DC, and Snow Patrol all hitting the stage. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 TRNSMT bosses have installed FREE water refill stations all over the park 4 A map of the TRNSMT festival shows revellers where to get free water 4 Fans will be able to top up their water bottles as much as they like without shelling out a fortune 4 Festival goers arrive at the TRNSMT Festival at Glasgow Green (Photo by) Temps are in the high 20s today - and are expected to still be in the 20s when 50 Cent wraps up his set around 11pm. That's a long, hot day for festivalgoers, especially with Glasgow Green offering little in the way of shade. But thirsty revellers don't need to sweat it. TRNSMT bosses have installed FREE water refill stations all over the park, letting fans top up their bottles as much as they like without shelling out £7 for a pint. Festival organisers said: 'We've set up free to use water points across the site where you can refill your bottle again and again. "It's super simple… bring a soft or collapsible water bottle and use our water points to keep your bottle filled. Make sure your refillable water bottle is made of soft, collapsible material and holds 500ml or less.' There are 12 stations in total – dotted around the bars, picnic areas, the Wellbeing Area, and even inside the VIP Arena. Here's where you can fill up your bottle without draining your bank account: FULL LIST OF FREE WATER STATIONS Beside the theme park rides near the Radio One Dance Stage In the Wellbeing Area Beside Bar One Near the Help Point close to the Glasgow 2014 logo sculpture Beside Bar Three and The Hangout Beside Nelson's Monument near Bar Two In Pen One at the Main Stage In Pen Two at the Main Stage Beside the accessible platform facing the King Tut's Stage near Bar Four In the Secret Garden beside the Spirit Bar In the VIP Arena beside the VIP Box Office In the VIP Arena beside the food vans How to survive TRNSMT 2025 Health chiefs have also given a sun-smart warning for TRNSMT-goers, urging people to stay hydrated, slap on the suncream, and dress sensibly. Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather. "No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand. "We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. We ask festivalgoers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely.' So whether you're bouncing to Biffy or getting down with 50, don't forget your reusable bottle – and fill it up for FREE. As well as water, we told you what FIVE essential items you will need for this years festival.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Where to find free water at TRNSMT 2025 as heatwave temperatures forecast
While the scorching sunshine will make for a memorable festival, it's crucial to stay hydrated throughout. TRNSMT weekend is finally here. The festival kicks off at Glasgow Green today, Friday, July 11, and runs until late on Sunday night, July 13. Tens of thousands of music lovers will descend upon one of the city's most iconic parks to hear from global stars like The Script, 50 Cent, Fontaines DC, Biffy Clyro, Jade, Snow Patrol, and many more. And with the Met Office predicting that Friday will be the first day of a heatwave in Glasgow, it looks like it's going to be a scorcher. But while the searing sun will make it a memorable festival, it's crucial to look after your health too. The weather forecast for day one of TRNSMT suggests revellers will bask in temperatures of up to 27C, and it'll still be in the 20s when they are leaving after 50 Cent finishes up around 11pm. With doors opening at noon, it's sure to be a long day in the heat for some music fans. And with Glasgow Green so open to the elements, there aren't loads of areas to stay in the shade. With that in mind, it's extra important to stay hydrated throughout the event. And while many people will turn to a pint for that, making sure you're also drinking water is key. And, thankfully, it's a lot cheaper than the price of a beer, cider, or G&T at the bar. TRNSMT chiefs have set up free water points throughout Glasgow Green, where fans can refill their bottles whenever they want. Attendees can bring their own soft or collapsible bottles to the festival and utilise these drinks stations. On their website, TRNSMT organisers wrote: "We've set up free to use water points across the site where you can refill your bottle again and again. "It's super simple… bring a soft or collapsible water bottle and use our water points to keep your bottle filled. Make sure your refillable water bottle is made of soft, collapsible material and holds 500ml or less." According to the TRNSMT site map, there are 12 water stations on the festival grounds, though not all of them will be accessible to all punters. There are stations close to each main bar, as well as at some of the picnic bench sections, the Wellbeing Area, inside the VIP Arena, and in both of the pens at the Main Stage. Full list of water stations at TRNSMT 2025 Beside the theme park rides near the Radio One Dance Stage In the Wellbeing Area Beside Bar One Near the Help Point close to the Glasgow 2014 logo sculpture Beside Bar Three and The Hangout Beside Nelson's Monument near Bar Two In Pen One at the Main Stage In Pen Two at the Main Stage Beside the accessible platform facing the King Tut's Stage near Bar Four In the Secret Garden beside the Spirit Bar In the VIP Arena beside the VIP Box Office In the VIP Arena beside the food vans While we all enjoy basking in the sun, the heatwave temperatures expected this weekend bring about their own health challenges. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have issued some advice for those attending TRNSMT in order to keep people safe. The health board has urged those heading to Glasgow Green make sure they are well hydrated, spend some time in the shade if possible and, when they are in direct sunlight, wear suncream and have appropriate clothing to cover up. Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Director of Public Health, said: 'This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather. 'No matter what you're doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand. 'We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRNSMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. We ask festivalgoers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Commonwealth Games mascot Clyde – 'I'm stepping aside'
Clyde, the Glasgow 2014 mascot has announced he won't be returning for next year's Commonwealth Games hosted by the city. The animated thistle, which is Scotland's national flower, was the face of the international sporting event and statues of him remain in place across said Clyde will still play a role in next year's event, but for now he is stepping aside in favour of a new mascot 'bursting with personality and sparkle'.The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in 2026 between 23 July and 2 August, and will involve 10 sports across four venues. In a statement, Clyde the 'talking thistle' didn't seem too prickly about his departure but confirmed he was passing the baton to a new games ambassador. He said: "Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen."To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for."So for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what's about to come – that I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026."Clyde became synonymous with the Glasgow 2014 event and was immortalised when 25 life-size Clyde statues were erected across the city including the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and at George have had to be taken down due to was a popular character and by the final day of the Games, over 50,000 Clyde mascot cuddly toys had been games have had their own mascots including, Borobi the blue koala from the Gold Coast 2018, and Perry the bull from Birmingham stepped into host a "scaled-back" version of the games last year, after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host due to rising costs. Clyde's memorable moments from Glasgow 2014 Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: "Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland."He's given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world."Imagined by the young people of Glasgow to shine on the world stage, this character captures everything Glasgow 2026 is about - fun, inclusion, pride and progress."We can't wait to unveil them to the world later this month."The new mascot has been created by the Glasgow 2026 Mascot Makers, a team of 76 schoolchildren from 24 Glasgow have confirmed the new Glasgow 2026 mascot will be revealed on 23 July to mark one year to go until the Games officially Glasgow 2026's mascot be a unicorn, a haggis or even a new embodiment of the city's iconic Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone on his head?Until then, sporting fans will be left to speculate.
