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Daily Mail
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK: Glasgow hosted a glorious Games - but bringing them back now feels like a terrible mistake
A kind of magic typically descends on Scotland when it hosts world sporting events. I am a veteran of several Open championships at St Andrews and, at each one, I've fallen under the spell. Seve Ballesteros holing his 12ft putt on the 18th to clinch the title in1984? I was greenside, watching the ball hesitate on the lip of the cup and then finally drop, prompting ecstasy from the Spaniard. He later described it as happiest moment of his life. It was one of the most unforgettable in mine. Some moaned about the road closures but it's the magic I remember about the UCI Cycling World Championships when they hit Glasgow two summers ago. In the 160mile men's road race Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel hurtled into a crash barrier in the Merchant City after opening up a commanding lead. 'Someone call an ambulance' was my first thought. His first one was getting back on his damaged bike and hanging on for victory. Bewitching viewing. So were the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 11 years ago. I was among the 60,000 at the opening ceremony at Celtic Park – a delightfully bonkers spectacle of dancing tea cakes and Scottie dogs in tartan coats leading out the teams from each participating nation. The late Queen was there; the Red Arrows too. Rod Stewart and Amy Macdonald duetted on Rhythm of My Heart together. Susan Boyle, bless her, did Mull of Kintyre. I was too caught in the moment to consider how all this was playing elsewhere, but I gather a UK audience of nine million tuned in for the BBC's coverage, while the estimated worldwide audience was one billion. On the streets of Glasgow the games were inescapable. A volunteer army of more than 12,000 helpers – known as Clyde-siders – saw to that. Fine by me. In a few weeks it would be the independence referendum that was inescapable. Here was a welcome chance for the city to stand as one before facing the sorry task of dividing itself in two. I struggle to think of a single occasion in the past when Scotland has not been enriched by the arrival of elite sports men and women on its shores. Why then, does the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow next summer feel like a terrible mistake? Why does it bring groans rather than tingles of anticipation? And why does the same sense of listlessness seem to afflict the BBC which, last time around, cleared its schedules for such unpromising spectacles as weightlifting from the Armadillo and bowling from Kelvingrove Park? A year out from the Games, the Beeb has not yet committed to showing anything at all. And, I'm sorry to say, I kind of get it. In 2014 the athletics were hosted by Hampden Park, our national stadium. Twelve years later they are heading for Scotstoun stadium which, even with added temporary seating, will have a quarter of Hampden's capacity. There will be just 10 core sports and a total of four venues. In 2014 there were 17 sports and 16 venues. Yes, these are a scaled down version of the Games, everyone involved has readily admitted ever since Glasgow contrived to find itself the only candidate for staging them – but they will still be magic. Really? They are beginning to sound like a school sports day. I wonder if attending them won't feel rather like showing up for a wake and swapping wistful memories of the deceased. Remember 2014 when the world's fastest man Usain Bolt stood in the rain in the east end and – allegedly – delivered the verdict that whole shebang was 'a bit sh*t'? How fervently we took issue at the time. Sure, it may have lacked the wallop of the Olympics or the World Cup Finals but it was a sporting feast nonetheless. Our stadiums were filled. Our hearts were full, our voices hoarse. This time around? I cannot imagine being in any position to disagree with the sprinter's original assessment. You may remember that the Australian state of Victoria was slated to host the 2026 Games until it pulled out in July 2023. State premier Daniel Andrews – a republican – said he was not prepared to spend up to £3.6 billion on a '12 day sporting event'. 'I've made a lot of difficult decisions in this job,' he added: 'This is not one of them.' The 2022 Games were held in Birmingham after Durban in South Africa – the only bidder for the event – was ruled out due to financial constraints. The 2030 Games? They were supposed to be heading for Alberta in Canada but, a month after Victoria ditched plans to host next year's games, Alberta got its cancellation in early for following edition. Are we getting a pattern here? Is every Commonwealth country but Britain waking up to the fact the games are past their sell-by date? I'm lukewarm at best about the return of the Games not only because, by financial necessity, they will be a pale imitation of the 2014 version. It's also the fact no-one else on the planet wanted them. Victoria was prepared to hand over £100 million to Glasgow just to be shot of them. How deafening the silence from potential hosts when Mr Andrews delivered his bombshell in 2023. All around, great Commonwealth nations sitting on their hands, avoiding gazes, waiting for some muggins UK city to blink. As a sports lover, it depresses me to say it, but I wish Glasgow had sat on its hands too. If these games are to survive – and I doubt they will – then the least they require is a level of desire among nations beyond our shores to host them. That's a big ask in the 21st century. Don't forget this is an event which began life in 1930 as the British Empire Games and did not drop the word 'empire' from its name until 1970. Queen Elizabeth II may not have seen it this way – she treasured the Commonwealth – but the competing nations in this quadrennial fixture owe their right to participate to history which not all of their populations now celebrate. It's because of this history that Canadian athletes compete but USA ones do not, that practically the whole of Europe is a no show. Here in the UK our attachment to the Games is, I suspect, of a different nature to that of other Commonwealth nations – and not simply because we are the daddy. We enjoy the fact that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compete as separate nations rather than Team GB as they do in the Olympics. For those of a Nationalist, republican bent, it may be the one thing the Games have going for them. But I wonder if the time has come for us to worry less about keeping the Games on life support and focus more on their reputation outside the UK. Are they a thing of value or a diplomatic chore? Do top-flight athletes in Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Jamaica still see them as relevant to their careers or might they have come round to Mr Bolt's way of thinking? I don't say it should be the latter but, if it is, it's time to let go.
Scotsman
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Marvellous, joyful festivals: Why Scotland can look forward to some really big sporting events
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... As you read this, Orkney is staging the largest event in the islands' history. The 2025 International Island Games, the opening ceremony of which I had the privilege of attending yesterday in Kirkwall, will see more than 1,600 athletes from 24 island groups taking part in events ranging from sailing to swimming and archery. Orkney is the smallest island group to ever host the games and competitors have come from as far afield as the Falklands, the Cayman Islands, Saaremaa in Estonia and Åland in Finland. I have no doubt that over the next week they will all enjoy an unforgettable experience and be impressed by Orkney's unique people, landscapes and hospitality. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I am equally sure that the Games will further demonstrate the importance of the Scottish Government's policy of helping to attract major events to Scotland. Two years ago, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships put Scotland on television screens across the world, attracted thousands of visitors and showed off our nation's ability to stage a global event. Adam Scott plays a shot on the 13th hole during the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick (Picture: Christian Petersen) | Getty Images Feel-good factor Next year Glasgow will again host the Commonwealth Games, while the Grand Départ of the Tour de France sets off from the Edinburgh in 2027 and Glasgow's Hampden Park is to stage matches in the 2028 UEFA European Football Championships. We also support the hosting of golf events, with the Genesis Scottish Open returning to East Lothian, and we look forward to The Open taking place at St Andrews again in 2027. The economic and social value of such events cannot be overestimated. In Orkney, accommodation providers, sports clubs and island businesses are among those directly benefiting from the Island Games. More difficult to measure, but just as real, are the long-term impacts of a raised global profile, the enhanced sporting facilities left behind and the general feel-good factor in Kirkwall. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I am sure some of the thousands of people who attended yesterday's opening ceremony and who attend events this week will be tempted to take up a new activity or join their local sport club, benefiting their physical and mental well-being. Between 2025 and 2028, Scotland's economy will benefit from tens of millions of pounds from major sports events. The 2024 Scottish Open delivered a net economic impact of £19.2 million, supporting 234 jobs, and I expect this year's event to have a similarly significant impact. Attracting investors After the Tour de France Grand Depart in Leeds in 2014, a report by Leeds City Council and UK Sport found the event boosted Yorkshire's economy by £102m, with further long-term benefits predicted because of increased tourism, raised profile and trade deals. Hundreds of individuals and organisations are involved in staging these complex events. My role as a minister is to ensure we create a climate that encourages sporting bodies to bring their events to Scotland, provide government support where appropriate, and ensure we use the platform to reap long-term benefits such as attracting inward investment. I also want to ensure that every part of Scotland is included, which is why I am particularly delighted that Orkney is showcasing Scotland. But amongst all this, we must also not forget to enjoy the events for what they are – marvellous, joyful festivals of sport.
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
'Local legend' Glasgow road sweeper retires after 43 years
Allan Richardson, 60, started working for Glasgow City Council in 1982 and has retired after 43 years of service. For the past 30 years, Allan, who lives in Kelvinhall, has kept Byres Road and its surrounding areas clean as a road sweeper, but saw his job as much more than that. A well-loved member of the community, he also spent his lunch breaks sketching the area and has delved deeper into the hobby since retiring. But his love for art started in school before he began his council career. 'Local legend' West End road sweeper retires after 43 years (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Mural painted in memory of tragic ex-football starlet 'murdered' in Glasgow home Allan explained: " I started in 1982, and I was doing a higher art at the time, my dad worked in the cleansing department, he had a word with someone and told me, 'You've got an interview for Friday.' "He said, 'Well, you know you can always do the art later on'. "You know, it was the 80s, and during that time, there weren't many jobs and everything was really uncertain." Allan, originally from Drumchapel, started on Monday after a straightforward interview, during which he agreed that he didn't mind it being a 'messy' job. He spent two days as a binman but said, "That wasn't for me. I wasn't built for that. It was all the bigger-built guys who did the bins back then." Allan is a talented artist draws and paints the streets he used to clean (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) READ MORE: 'Superb' new mural of Still Game star appears on busy city centre street Allan moved into sweeping and around from depot to depot, settling with his patch being Byres Road, where he kept the streets spick and span for over 30 years. He saw a lot of change in the area in that time, and generations of families grew up. He said, "A lot of the residents, you would see them going to school with their kids, and then all of a sudden, you'd see them going to secondary and then into university. "And they come back and they go, oh, you're still here - you're still pushing that cart." He worked through decades of events in the area, remaining a stalwart through the Covid lockdowns and enjoying events like the UCI Cycling World Championships. We asked Allan what his highlight of his decades in the job was, to which he replied, "the people." He explained: "Somebody would come up to me in the morning and say and have a chat, and it'd make my day just to have a five-minute chat and ask what you're doing. "And they would be happy about it as well, you feel as if you're included, you feel as if you've got a presence." His presence was definitely felt by the community, who organised a party for his retirement, and one even wrote a poem about him. A poem written for Allan by Marie Birchard for his retirement party (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: 'I'll crawl across the line if I have to': Dad to run 95 miles in memory of son Resident Carol Martin shared her admiration for Allan, she said: "Rain, hail or shine, he was there. He inspired people, uplifted their spirits, and it was so nice to always see him and know he was there. "He's such a good soul, he gave people 'street therapy' with his chats." The landscape of Byres Road has also changed, and Allan enjoyed spending his lunch breaks sketching the area. He said: "At school, I wasn't any good because I didn't know that until later on when I found out that I was dyslexic. "I can't construct a letter; you know, things that I find quite difficult, but if you say, 'Go and sketch something,' I'll sketch it. "I enjoy my sketching, and I just think it's a release. When I'm sketching, I'm kind of carried away." Some of Allan's artwork (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) READ MORE: 8 of the best decorated cabs at Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund day out to Troon When hearing Allan's story, you can't help but think of the Deacon Blue hit Dignity - he's a worker for the council, has been 43 years. And his art is like his ship, his Dignity, letting him retire into the thing he loves. Allan revealed his favourite street on his patch too, he said: "I like Athole Gardens, I like the buildings and the church, Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church. I think that's quite a nice area there." You can see some of Allan's artwork on his social media here.
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New push to highlight significant benefits of visitor economy to Scotland
An award-winning walking tour, a community-led tourism project, and a historic restaurant once frequented by Scotland's national bard are featuring in a new drive to highlight the significant contribution tourism and events makes to the lives of people across Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox 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... Launched today (April 23), the initiative by VisitScotland celebrates the role the visitor economy plays in creating jobs, transforming towns and urban areas, supporting rural and island communities, enhancing our wellbeing, and contributing to Scotland's journey towards net zero. By showcasing real-life stories across the national tourism organisation's website and social media channels, and encouraging businesses to do the same, the activity will target those out with the tourism and events industry, including residents across Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad New YouGov research has revealed that Scottish residents recognised tourism and events as one of the most important industries driving the nation's economy. (Scotland Residents Survey 2025). Similarly, over 90 percent of respondents also agreed that tourism brings economic benefits and attracts investment. (Scotland Residents Survey 2025) Dundonald Castle in South Ayrshire is operated by the charity Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO. In 2024, the site welcomed 29,000. However, the drive aims to help build a greater understanding and appreciation of the ripple effect created by the visitor economy by illustrating the wider range of benefits it can bring. The visitor economy refers to the impact of people visiting a place – from the activities they enjoy and the services they use, to the jobs they support. In 2023, visitors spent £10.8 billion in Scotland. This spend not only supports over 245,000 tourism-related jobs and more than 16,000 businesses, but also creates a ripple effect, benefiting local supply chains including food and drink, arts and culture, retail, construction, and transport. (Scottish Tourism Observatory) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the past ten years, tourism-related jobs have grown by a quarter while the number of businesses in the sector has risen by 15%. (Scottish Tourism Observatory) Visitors can learn about ancient crafts at the Scottish Crannog Centre in Perthshire Scotland has also earned a global reputation for hosting and delivering high quality major events, including the Edinburgh Festivals, UCI Cycling World Championships and The Open. The 2024 UK Event Report found that the events industry generates £61.653 billion annually for the economy, with £5.5 billion (9%) of that attributed to Scotland. Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: 'The visitor economy is much more than holidays or day trips at certain times of the year. It is a sustainable long-term benefit – it's jobs, investment, better places to live, work, visit, and happier people. All of us, whether we realise it or not, have benefitted from this visitor economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Those working within tourism and events do an incredible job, particularly during these challenging times and this campaign is a timely reminder of the critical role our industry plays in Scotland. By fostering partnerships, creating jobs, and supporting local communities, the visitor economy is helping Scotland thrive—today and into the future.' A tour guide from Mercat Tours shares stories of Edinburgh's past To help demonstrate the importance of the visitor economy, VisitScotland is sharing real-life stories to show how the sector has created new opportunities for people and places. The visitor economy creates jobs. Located on the banks of Loch Tay, the museum brings the Iron Age to life through, immersive storytelling, and hands-on activities. Following a devastating fire in 2021 which destroyed a recreation of an Iron Age dwelling house, staff decided to rebuild the artefact by involving apprentices in the reconstruction efforts, providing them with hands-on experience in traditional building techniques and museum operations. This initiative not only preserved invaluable skills but also fostered a dedicated workforce. Additionally, the Centre plans for a £6 million redevelopment project which aims to create 35 new jobs. The visitor economy supports a wider supply chain. Now in its 26th year, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings whisky enthusiasts from almost 40 different countries to the country's renowned Speyside region. By collaborating with local distilleries, bars, restaurants, and hotels, the festival creates unique events that boost tourism and invigorate the local economy. This partnership working supports various sectors, enhancing the area's supply chain and showcasing Speyside's rich heritage The visitor economy supports other sectors Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Established in 1610 in Dumfries, The Globe Inn is one of Scotland's oldest inns, famously known as Robert Burns' favourite 'howff'. Following significant restoration, today it offers an award-winning fine dining experience,an outstanding collection of whiskies and unique heritage experiences that bring the rich history and Burns connection to life. The business works extensively with other sectors outside tourism, including local food and drink producers, local tradespeople for maintenance and upkeep, waste management and professional services such as web and design agencies. In order to attract visitors, The Globe Inn has also formed creative partnerships with local historians, artists and storytellers to create memorable, unmissable experiences that bring the area's unique history to life. The visitor economy transforms towns and cities V&A Dundee is Scotland's design museum and part of the fantastic redevelopment of Dundee's waterfront. They first opened their doors in September 2018, and the museum building is a design marvel in itself - designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and inspired by the city's waterside location and the Scottish cliffs. The museum is an incredible resource for people living in Dundee and Scotland, drawing visitors to the region, refreshing the face of the city and playing a central role in the waterfront regeneration which has inspired further investments in new hotels and restaurants. To mark their 5th anniversary, an independent report showed that the creation of V&A Dundee has generated £304 million for the Scottish economy, including £109 million for Dundee. The visitor economy helps Scotland achieve its journey to net zero Nestled on the picturesque banks of the River Ness in Inverness, the Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments is also the proud home of Inverness' first Distillery & Brewery in over 130 years. In 2021, the hotel established Scotland's first water source energy centre, utilising the River Ness to provide heating and energy. This innovation reduces carbon emissions by 250 tonnes annually and decreases reliance on fossil fuels. As well as this, the owners have installed solar panels, aim to be gas-free by 2025, and integrate biodiversity projects, including native plantings and beehives, to support local ecosystems The visitor economy sustains communities Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Perched on a hilltop in the heart of South Ayrshire, Dundonald Castle has long been a striking landmark in the region's landscape. Operated by the charity Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO (FoDC), the site welcomed 29,000 visitors in 2024. However, its impact extends far beyond visitor numbers. The site has become a cornerstone for meaningful connections across the community. This includes using local suppliers in its café, working with over 20 regional artists and authors through its on-site shop and supporting over 12 local clubs and groups, from the reflective Silent Book Club to the creative buzz of Knit n Natter and the welcoming gatherings of Castle Cronies. The visitor economy is improving the lives of people in Scotland. Established in 1985, Mercat Tours, offers award-winning history and ghost tours in Edinburgh. Through their "Our Stories, Your City" project, they reconnect vulnerable communities with local heritage using storytelling tours to foster social inclusion. The initiative is paid for by visitors' donations and also supports local Living Wage jobs. It has been so successful since its launch in 2022, the company has now extended it to include local school children suffering from the cost of living.
The Herald Scotland
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New drive to highlight contribution tourism makes to Scotland
By showcasing real-life stories across the national tourism organisation's website and social media channels, and encouraging businesses to do the same, the activity will target those out with the tourism and events industry, including residents across Scotland. New YouGov research has revealed that Scottish residents recognised tourism and events as one of the most important industries driving the nation's economy. Similarly, over 905 of respondents also agreed that tourism brings economic benefits and attracts investment. READ MORE: Hotel on internationally-renowned Scottish tourist route brought to market Our verdict on a staycation in Scotland's 'most underrated city' How Scotland's next tourism boom is being made in China - by cows However, the drive aims to help build a greater understanding and appreciation of the ripple effect created by the visitor economy by illustrating the wider range of benefits it can bring. The visitor economy refers to the impact of people visiting a place – from the activities they enjoy and the services they use, to the jobs they support. In 2023, visitors spent £10.8 billion in Scotland. This spend not only supports over 245,000 tourism-related jobs and more than 16,000 businesses, but also creates a ripple effect, benefiting local supply chains including food and drink, arts and culture, retail, construction, and transport. In the past 10 years, tourism-related jobs have grown by a quarter while the number of businesses in the sector has risen by 15%. Scotland has also earned a global reputation for hosting and delivering high quality major events, including the Edinburgh Festivals, UCI Cycling World Championships and The Open. The 2024 UK Event Report found that the events industry generates £61.653 billion annually for the economy, with £5.5bn (9%) of that attributed to Scotland. Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: 'The visitor economy is much more than holidays or day trips at certain times of the year. It is a sustainable long-term benefit—it's jobs, investment, better places to live, work, visit, and happier people. "All of us, whether we realise it or not, have benefitted from this visitor economy. "Those working within tourism and events do an incredible job, particularly during these challenging times and this campaign is a timely reminder of the critical role our industry plays in Scotland. "By fostering partnerships, creating jobs, and supporting local communities, the visitor economy is helping Scotland thrive—today and into the future.'
