Hansard

I am delighted to be here this afternoon to address the chamber ahead of the Commonwealth games next year. Today marks 233 days until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasgow—that is only eight months away—and just over a year since Scotland agreed to take on the event at short notice, safeguarding the future of the Commonwealth games. Today, I will reflect on how the games came back to Scotland and how we have secured their future, and I will confirm how we will support the success of the games in Glasgow.

Many colleagues across the chamber will remember fondly the huge success of the 2014 games—I do. In 2014, we had years to prepare. This time, everything has happened at lightning speed. This will be the fourth time that Scotland has hosted the games, and I thank the organising company, Commonwealth Games Scotland and Glasgow City Council for their tireless work in bringing Glasgow 2026 to life at such short notice. We have been able to do that because Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, has such a strong track record of successful event delivery, including being the first to host newly modelled events such as the European championships in 2018 and, more recently, the cycling world championships in 2023.

However, this is not just about the Glasgow 2026 games. By stepping up now, Scotland is helping to secure the future of the Commonwealth games for decades to come. Our new reimagined approach makes hosting more affordable and sustainable, opening the door for more nations to be able to take part in the future. Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting representatives from across the Commonwealth during their general assembly, when the 2030 host was announced as Ahmedabad in India. This is about partnership and continuity, and it is about ensuring that the games continue to inspire athletes and communities across the Commonwealth.

The passing of the games baton from Glasgow to Ahmedabad is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that connection and take advantage of the opportunities for both countries. I spoke with colleagues from India about how Scotland can support a successful centenary games, and I was keen to share our extensive experience of hosting major international events. That is the legacy of Glasgow 2026—it is not just about a world-class event here at home; it is about a future for the games that every nation can share.

At home, the benefits for Scotland are clear—economic opportunities for businesses, upgrades to venues and an opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate. Indeed, the games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit to Glasgow and Scotland, supporting local businesses and jobs. Public support is strong, too. I am delighted to see the huge demand for tickets, not just here in Scotland but across the Commonwealth—people are supporting the games.

I am also pleased with the progress that has been made this year on our venues. The first phase of work at Scotstoun’s track is now complete, and Tollcross swimming pool is undergoing important upgrades to meet the highest standards for athletes and spectators. Those improvements will not only support the success of the games but leave a lasting legacy for local communities, providing world-class facilities for years to come.

Commonwealth Sport’s co-ordination commission has recognised the progress that has been made at such pace. In August, I was hugely encouraged by the feedback that was received from Commonwealth Sport, which praised the organising company for demonstrating “innovation at its ... best” and commended the preparations progressing at pace. I am pleased to see the proactive engagement that has been undertaken by Glasgow 2026 Ltd, which is working closely with local community groups, the third sector and public and private sector partners to ensure that the benefits of the games are felt by communities in the city. That approach to collaboration is vital to ensuring a lasting impact and successful games.

I know that I do not need to remind colleagues of the immense national pride that each of us felt when the Scotland men’s football team qualified for the world cup just a few weeks ago. As I said in response to an urgent question on that, I am determined that we catalyse the same sense of hope, opportunity and support for our nation’s athletes with the Commonwealth games as we do with the world cup next summer. Our focus on team Scotland remains at the heart of the games. We know that our athletes have the games marked in their calendar and are ready to do us proud.

The Commonwealth games give Scottish athletes the chance to compete under their own flag—a tradition that we are proud to continue. Glasgow 2014 was a springboard for success, with 25 of the 34 Scots on team GB at the Paris Olympics having competed for team Scotland at the Commonwealth games, including six of nine medallists.

I am thrilled to see Duncan Scott return to the pool where his Commonwealth journey began in 2014 and to welcome rising stars such as Megan Keith in the 10,000m, joining established legends such as Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley and potentially Josh Kerr in the historic Commonwealth mile, which will make its first appearance since 1966. That shows the vital role that the games play in developing talent and giving athletes the experience that they need to succeed on the world stage.

Glasgow 2026 will host the most inclusive programme ever, and it will make history as medals for para powerlifting will be the first to be awarded, which is a first for any Commonwealth games.

It is not only athletes and their supporters who will get hands-on experience at the games. The games volunteer programme recently closed, exceeding expectations with thousands of people applying. I was pleased to see that the minimum age to volunteer was lowered in order to give our young people an opportunity to be part of the programme.

As exciting as those 11 days of world-class sport will be, the Commonwealth games are about so much more. We are determined to deliver a meaningful legacy that reaches beyond the competition itself, even with a streamlined games. That legacy will focus on creating lasting benefits for communities, inspiring participation and strengthening connections across Scotland and the wider Commonwealth.

Alongside that, the King’s baton relay has been reimagined for these games. We are really looking forward to welcoming the batons back to Scotland in July 2026, and we are planning our own programme of activity, working with partners across Scotland and inviting our communities, local businesses, athletes and artists to join in.

All 74 Commonwealth nations, including Scotland, will receive their own baton and have the opportunity to decorate it themselves to reflect their culture and creativity. All the batons will be present at the opening ceremony, and as they converge in Glasgow they will carry with them a message of hope and friendship.

Welcoming thousands of visitors to Scotland gives Glasgow another chance to shine and showcase the very best that we have to offer, and the Scottish Government is committed to maximising every social, cultural and economic opportunity.

That is why I am delighted to announce today that, working with our partners, the Scottish Government will provide £150,000 to create and run Scotland house during games time. It will be a welcoming hub for athletes and their families to use and a platform to celebrate Scotland’s sporting, cultural and economic strengths. Located at the Corinthian in the centre of the city, Scotland house will host an ambitious programme of events, from sport to creative industries. It will be open throughout the games to showcase the best of Scotland.

A series of targeted events is planned to showcase Scotland and Glasgow’s strengths and expertise across a range of sectors. Scotland house will serve as the central hub for business engagement during the games and offer a platform to facilitate trade and investment opportunities by hosting networking events, business forums and sector-specific showcases. It will also promote Scottish sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, tourism and food and drink. Those events aim to attract national and international leaders and forge connections that will benefit our economy long after the games. Scotland house will demonstrate our ambition, creativity and commitment to building lasting partnerships. By bringing together sport, culture and business under one roof, we will ensure that Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the games themselves.

Glasgow 2026 is about more than hosting a world-class sporting event; it is about supporting team Scotland, strengthening international partnerships and creating a lasting legacy for communities across our country. It will be an incredible summer of sport in Scotland. We have eight months to help build momentum and eight months with Finnie the unicorn, the games mascot, who will pop up across Scotland to bring colour and excitement to communities. It is eight months until thousands of spectators descend on Glasgow to fill our shops, support our local businesses and celebrate our great city. It is eight months until our athletes take their first step, leap, jump and dive into what I am sure will be Scotland’s best performance yet.

When Scotland stepped up to safeguard these games, we set a new course for the future. Now, we take the next step in showcasing our nation to the world. I hope that the whole Parliament will join me today in wishing our Scottish athletes the very best in their preparations and letting them know that we stand ready to cheer them on as we make the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games another one to remember.