Scotland agrees to host Commonwealth Video games in 2026

Glasgow is to host the 2026 Commonwealth Video games after a deal was backed by the Scottish authorities.

A scaled-down model of the occasion, that includes fewer sports activities and athletes, will return to town 12 years after it final hosted the Video games.

The Australian state of Victoria was initially chosen to stage the multi-sport occasion however withdrew as host resulting from rising prices.

Australian authorities have promised “a multi-million pound funding” to assist finalise the deal.

Well being and Sport Minister Neil Grey held talks with Commonwealth Video games Australia on Monday to debate funding, and obtained the assurances the Scottish authorities have been searching for.

It has now written to the Commonwealth Video games Federation (CGF) to formally again a “a scaled again, however high-quality” occasion which can see see 10 sports activities happen throughout 4 venues within the metropolis, with athletics held at Scotstoun Stadium and swimming going down at Tollcross.

Grey stated the truth that town was requested to step in and host the video games was a “testomony to Glasgow and Scotland’s improbable popularity for internet hosting worldwide occasions”.

He stated: “In 2026 all eyes will as soon as once more be on Glasgow, and I’ve each confidence that Scotland’s largest metropolis will present a becoming platform for among the world’s high athletes.”

The minister added that CGS can be accountable for the funds and supply of the occasion.

He instructed BBC Scotland Information: “If there’s a scenario the place we transcend a really substantial contingency, CGS might want to take a look at the best way then Video games are being delivered slightly than calling on both the UK or Scottish authorities for useful resource.”

He added that he hoped a extra “sustainable providing” would permit for a extra “numerous combine of nations to host the video games sooner or later”.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray stated this was a “optimistic end result” for each Glasgow and the Commonwealth Video games.

He stated: “There are nonetheless a couple of hoops to leap by means of however I am very a lot trying ahead to an unimaginable celebration of sport and seeing Scottish athletes in motion in entrance of a house crowd.”

CGF president Chris Jenkins stated it might work intently with Commonwealth Video games Scotland to formally announce Glasgow because the host metropolis as quickly a potential.

He stated: “We consider Glasgow 2026 might be an necessary first step in our dedication to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Video games as a co-created, sustainable mannequin that minimises prices, evokes athletes, and excites hosts and Worldwide federations.”

He confirmed that Commonwealth Video games Australia had contributed £2.3m to “improve the occasion”.

Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Video games Scotland (CGS), stated he was “delighted” on the affirmation.

He stated: “We now have been clear from the outset that our Video games idea for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s technique to make the Video games extra accessible for future hosts, while making certain that public funds will not be required.

Mr Reid added: “Glasgow is likely one of the few cities within the Commonwealth that may ship on time given its world-class services, skilled workforce and powerful provide chain.

“This can be a actually thrilling alternative and we might be working arduous over the approaching days to deliver the ultimate items of the puzzle collectively.”

A remaining determination was taken at a cupboard assembly on Tuesday morning.

Organisers have acknowledged the Video games will come for free of charge to the general public purse, with funding coming from compensation paid to the CGF after the Australians pulled out.

The UK authorities will present monetary help within the occasion of any elevated safety risk however had refused to fully underwrite the Video games.

Grey beforehand insisted that there was “a popularity threat in addition to monetary threat” for Scotland in taking over internet hosting duties once more, and that no public funds might be used.

The whole funds for the Video games is anticipated to be about £114m.

Scottish Labour chief, Anas Sarwar stated: “Glasgow is a superb metropolis, however it’s in want of financial funding and renewal.

“By internet hosting the video games, we will showcase Glasgow and Scotland on the worldwide stage and produce funding and tourism right here.

“That is our probability to finish the legacy of the 2014 video games, present world management and ship the change that Glasgow wants.”

Sandesh Gulhane, Scottish Conservatives’ well being spokesman, welcomed the “improbable information” that’s set to be delivered at “no value to hard-pressed taxpayers”.

“This may put Glasgow on the map around the globe and is a perfect probability to advertise the whole lot that’s nice about it,” he stated. “Nevertheless, I hope by then that the state of our metropolis is far improved in comparison with the way it appears now.”

Glasgow final hosted the Video games in 2014 at a value of £543m, with 17 sports activities going down in an occasion praised by organisers as the perfect ever.

The 2026 model might be a extra modest affair, nevertheless it it isn’t but clear which sports activities might be minimize.

There might be no athlete’s village and any opening and shutting ceremonies are anticipated to be scaled again.

Former Workforce Scotland athlete and swimmer, Hannah Miley instructed BBC Scotland Information the Commonwealth Video games was a “particular occasion” for athletes.

She stated: “There have been so many nice recollections from 2014 so to have it once more in 2026, I feel might be an amazing alternative.

“Having the ability to compete in entrance of a house nation is one thing not many athletes get to do. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime alternative.”

The retired swimmer added that whereas it was superb that Glasgow can be internet hosting the Video games once more, she had “combined feelings” that some sports activities wouldn’t be included.

The Commonwealth Video games Federation (CGF) has struggled to seek out hosts for the occasion in recent times.

Durban was purported to be the primary metropolis in Africa to stage the Video games in 2022, however have been stripped of internet hosting rights in 2017 after operating into cash troubles.

Birmingham and the British authorities intervened to avoid wasting the occasion, stumping up a mixed $1bn for what grew to become the perfect attended Video games on report.

Victoria then dropped out in July 2023 after the projected value for the occasion grew to become “nicely and really an excessive amount of” for the state to bear, whereas different potential hosts equivalent to Malaysia and Singapore declined to step in.

The 12-day competitors was anticipated to value greater than A$6 bn (£3.13bn; $4.09bn).

Leon Thompson, government director of UK Hospitality Scotland, stated: “The Video games will ship an financial enhance to Glasgow, in addition to creating alternatives to advertise town’s points of interest over the subsequent few years because it prepares to welcome guests from the world over.”

He added that hospitality companies would profit from elevated footfall however referred to as on Glasgow Metropolis Council to make sure “financial and reputational advantages” have been maximised.