First minister calls on Scots to back Commonwealth bid

Home > News and Events > News - release archive > 2006 > January

First Minister Jack McConnell wants Scots to show they are fully behind the bid to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Today he launched a two month campaign with Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland to gather public support by text, post and on the web to let the Commonwealth know that Scotland is united and determined in our efforts to bring the games to Glasgow.

“By the time the 2006 Commonwealth Games begin in Melbourne in March we want to have thousands of Scots signed up to back the bid. When we sit round the table with the other Commonwealth countries in Australia I want them to know that our bid has the full backing of the Scottish people and that we will host a games to remember”, said Jack McConnell.

To back the bid by text, text “GOLD” to 61611

To back the bid online, log on to www.glasgow2014.com

To back the bid by post, complete and return a postcard to the Commonwealth Games post box at Back Scotland's Bid, 26 DunedinStreet, Edinburgh EH7 5JG.

The First Minister was speaking as he joined Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council and Louise Martin, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland at Tollcross Park Leisure Centre as Glasgow became the first bid city to unveil the branding for their 2014 bid.

Jack McConnell said:

“Already well known Scots have pledged their support. People from the worlds of music, television, film and sport wish us well. Kenny Dalglish, Billy Boyd, Rod Stewart, Sir Alex Ferguson and Shirley Robertson are backing the bid.

“Today is the next step on our journey and now is the time for all Scots to join them. Today I ask the people of Scotland to demonstrate to the Commonwealth their tremendous enthusiasm for their nation’s bid.”

Steven Purcell said:

"This is Scotland's bid as much as Glasgow's. A successful bid to bring the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow will have incredible benefits and spin-offs for the city and the whole country.

"I know the bid has already caught the public's imagination, but this campaign gives them an opportunity to get involved on a personal level. The more names we have, the better our chances of winning."

Renfrewshire Council leader, Councillor Jim Harkins, also provided his support to the games. He said: “I would urge everyone to get behind this bid. Bringing the 2014 Commonwealth Games to the West of Scotland would be great for Renfrewshire. In addition to boosting Scotland’s sporting facilities, Renfrewshire is sure to benefit from the additional visitors that will travel through the region and use Glasgow Airport to attend this prestigious sporting event.”

Louise Martin, Chairman Commonwealth Game Council for Scotland said:

"I am delighted with the brand developed for our bid. I believe it has a strong Scottish feel with a modern, vibrant image that reflects our nation. I look forward to seeing it used in a variety of ways as we develop our plans for promoting the bid in Melbourne and beyond."

Press Release: Wednesday 11 January 2005