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Glasgow hotel bookings 'at 10-year high'

_49736684_004790895-1.jpgThe survey covered 31 hotels in GlasgowHotel bookings in Glasgow are at their highest level in a decade despite the economic downturn, a survey suggests.

The Lynn Jones Forecaster report looked at occupancy rates in 31 city hotels to September this year.

It found there was a 6% rise on the same period last year and a 16% increase compared to September 2000.

The figures are being out down to Glasgow hosting three major events - the Papal visit, the World Parkinson Congress and a P.Diddy concert.

The report also found that rates for revenue per room increased.

It said Glasgow's yields had increased by more than 15% over a 12-month period, to an average of £64.61 compared to £54.65 in September last year.

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "It is testament to Glasgow's strength and appeal, both as a leading short-break destination and as a host city for major events and international conferences, that while many other cities are seeing a drop in visitor numbers, Glasgow is more than holding its own and our visitor numbers are at an all-time high.

"The opening, next year, of our iconic Riverside Museum - the city's newest world-class visitor attraction - combined with the new infrastructure that will be in place for Glasgow's hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2014, will provide the city with even greater collateral to attract additional tourism and inward investment in the years to come."

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Posted

A Scottish pensioner who is one of the country's top judo experts is to be honoured by the Emperor of Japan.

George Kerr, 73, has said he is "thrilled to bits" after learning he is to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest awards.

The honour recognises Mr Kerr's contribution to the sport and to UK-Japanese relations.

Mr Kerr, from Edinburgh, achieved Judo's 10th Dan in February, a title held by only five other people.

Speaking about being given the Order of the Rising Sun, Mr Kerr said: "Of course, I'm thrilled to bits, it's quite an honour. I think I'm the first judo player in Great Britain to receive this sort of thing, so it's really nice.

"It's been a brilliant year. It's blown me away. The whole thing's been like a fairytale to be honest."

The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette was announced in Emperor Akihito's November honours list.

Mr Kerr, who runs a judo club for youngsters in Edinburgh, said the honour would be presented to him formally at the home of the Japanese Consul-General, Masataka Tarahara, in January.

'Outstanding contribution'Other famous names awarded the Order of the Rising Sun include movie legend Clint Eastwood.

Mr Kerr said: "I was quite pleased that one of my heroes, Clint Eastwood, has got it as well. He does portray the kind of values that I stand for."

In a statement issued by the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh, Mr Tarahara said: "He is the most deserving recipient whose contribution to the promotion of judo over many decades has been outstanding."

Mr Kerr began practising judo when he was eight, won a scholarship to study judo in Japan and won the gold medal in the 1957 European Championships.

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Posted

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to Move to Refurbished Tontine Building in Merchant City

Glasgow 2014, the Organising Committee for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, will next year move to new premises in the Tontine Building in the Merchant City area.

Glasgow 2014 have selected Tontine House as their preferred new site as they establish a new headquarters for the next four years and see the workforce increase to 1000.

Up to 100 Commonwealth Apprentices will work on the refurbishment project.

Tontine House will become a key ‘non-competition’ venue during the Games. The move to the Albion Street frontage of the Tontine building from the current offices at Monteith House in George Square is expected to take place towards the end of 2011.

The building - where Glasgow 2014 will occupy in excess of 108,000 sq ft - will be fully redeveloped to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for Commonwealth Games delivery at Glasgow City Council, said: “The Tontine Building will be the perfect new home for Glasgow 2014, providing a gateway to the East End and bringing yet more new life to the Merchant City. This will be one of the most important centres for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and it essential that the right space is found. After the Games, this building will leave a tremendous economic legacy for the city in the form of high-quality, high-profile office space in a fantastic location.”

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said: “We are delighted that Glasgow City Council was able to provide a solution within the city that would leave a positive legacy once the Games have finished. We are really excited about the move, as our organisation expands from the current 30 staff to 1000.”

The Tontine Building sits on the north-west corner of Glasgow Cross, and is one of the most important buildings - in terms of architectural quality, scale in location - in the Merchant City. The building is listed.

The refurbishment work will be carried out by City Building LLP. City Building will carry out the refurbishment as a Commonwealth Apprenticeship project, with up to 100 apprentices working on the project.

Facilitating this important development has been City Property (Glasgow) LLP, an arms length company formed by Glasgow City Council to efficiently and effectively deliver to the market a wide range of exciting property opportunities and enhance its extensive commercial portfolio.

Since it was formed in 2009 City Property has been identifying how, in the present economic climate, they can introduce new ways to sustain and kick start development within the city. As owners of the Tontine building, this is a shinning example of that advanced thinking.

Going for Green at Glasgow 2014

Glasgow 2014, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government are holding a sustainability conference today (Friday) and have announced that they will aim to recycle or reuse at least 80% of waste that is produced during the 11 days of competition for the Commonwealth Games.

The announcement was made as the Partners set out a joint ambition to “Go for Green” at Glasgow 2014. To mark the official start of this joint ambition, a short new animated film has been launched to illustrate the opportunities that all the Games Partners plan to take up over the next three and a half years. You can view the film here.

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and Games Partners aim to ensure that good standards of sustainability are met environmentally, economically and socially. Good standards of sustainability will be met environmentally in the following ways:

- Remediation of contaminated land: All new venues will have had the land decontaminated and cleaned before building began.

- Upgrading existing stadia and building in legacy: Instead of building a new stadium, we are converting Hampden Park from a national football stadium into a world class athletics facility, reducing the impact upon the environment by transforming an existing facility as opposed to starting from scratch. The SECC will also be completely transformed from an exhibition centre into a sports venue.

- A sustainable energy Centre will be built for the Athletes’ Village. The NISA and Velodrome will be retro-fitted to it once it is available.

- Spectators will have free public transport within Glasgow with their sports tickets, reducing the amount of carbon emissions used by encouraging people to travel using sustainable transport.

Glasgow 2014 and the Games Partners have made a commitment to delivering good standards of sustainability through good economy:

- Low carbon housing: houses in the Athletes’ Village will be built using sustainable materials These 750 homes within the Athletes' Village will produce 60% less carbon by cutting energy demand as a result of being well insulated and airtight.

  • - Procurement: Glasgow 2014 is using a web portal for the procurement of goods, services and works of all types and values. This transparent tool will ensure that the organisers get the best value from the market.

Finally, ensuring that sustainability has a strong social aspect is crucial to delivering an outstanding Games with a positive legacy for people. The Athletes’ Village will be built on a previously rundown 50-acre site bounded by London Road, the River Clyde, Springfield Road and Dalmarnock Road. It will feature 758 houses and flats, and a 120-bed care home. This new community will transform the east end of Glasgow.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said:

“Sustainability is crucial to staging an outstanding Games – we think it’s imperative that we act responsibly at every stage of the Games process, and part of that is ensuring that we act in the most beneficial way possible for the environment, in an economical way, that is in the best interests of local people in the long term.

“Glasgow in Gaelic translates as “Dear Green Place”, and that is exactly what we’re aiming for in 2014.”

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:

“We are confident that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be the greenest ever. Some of the venues being built for the Games and the Athletes’ Village are going to use the latest ideas in reducing carbon and will be a strong indication of Glasgow’s approach to addressing climate change.

“The Games will leave the city an environmental and sustainable legacy, including improved land and air quality and innovative approaches to energy use and recycling.”

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said:

"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that environmental and sustainability issues are factored into all aspects of Glasgow 2014. This event will provide many Scots with the opportunity to live and travel more sustainably.

Posted

Good news showing Glasgow is against racism

Trade unionists, politicians and faith and community groups will gather in Glasgow later for an annual march and rally against racism.

The St Andrew's Day anti-racism event has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).

Organisers said it would remind people in difficult economic times of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.

The march will start from St Andrew's in the Square at 1100 GMT.

Those taking part will rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street at noon.

Speakers will include Prof Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.

Speaking ahead of the rally, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces".

He added: "We can use the law but that is not enough. It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life - in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours.

"That's why the STUC's annual St Andrew's Day event is so important."

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Posted

Glasgow has been named Curry Capital of Britain for a record fourth time in the past 10 years.

It fought off competition from 11 other UK cities to take the title which was being run during National Curry Week.

Glasgow City Council submitted an entry with four local restaurants. They were judged top in areas such as standards of food, service and cleanliness.

Glasgow was represented in the final by Balbir's, KoolBa, Mister Singh's India and Mother India café.

Lord provost Bob Winter said: "I am delighted the title is coming back to Glasgow where it belongs. It's wonderful news.

"Winning the Curry Capital of Britain title this year is very much down to our four chosen ambassadors. They do our city proud."

Members of the public were asked to vote for their favourite Indian restaurant and of the 66 Glasgow restaurants to receive a nomination, Balbir's, KoolBa, Mister Singh's India and Mother India Café secured the most.

They went on to impress the judges with their innovative dishes, first class service and "incredible fundraising".

Glasgow won the Curry Capital of Britain title in 2002, 2003 and 2006. It was runner up in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

This year Bradford came second with Wolverhampton in third place.

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Posted

Construction complete on new £74m Riverside Museum

_50520015_riversidemuseummontage261.jpgThe museum is scheduled to open in late Spring 2011Continue reading the main story

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The keys to Glasgow's new Riverside Museum have been handed over to the city council now that construction work on the £74m venue has been completed.

The museum, on the banks of the River Clyde, will house the city's valuable transport collection which was on display at the Kelvin Hall until April.

Larger exhibits have already been put in place. Now work will start to install the remaining 3,000 objects.

The museum is scheduled to open in late Spring 2011.

Building contractor BAM began construction on the complex, designed by Stirling Prize-winner Zaha Hadid, in 2007.

The building was formally handed over to Glasgow Museums staff on Tuesday.

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote

With the Tall Ship Glenlee berthed alongside, the Riverside Museum is certain to become an iconic image of Glasgow”

Gordon MathesonGlasgow City Council leaderBAM is expected to remain on site for a few more weeks, with only landscaping, the south façade and some snagging to finish.

Larger transport objects, such as subway cars, locomotives and trams, have already been installed to the museum.

Smaller objects, such as cars, bikes, motorbikes and ship models, will now be transferred from the Kelvin Hall, where they have been under wraps since April.

Glasgow City Council leader, Gordon Matheson, said: "The building itself is a feat of engineering, and BAM has done a fantastic job turning Zaha Hadid's ambitious design into what I'm sure will become one of the city's most recognisable and popular buildings."

"With the Tall Ship Glenlee berthed alongside, the Riverside Museum is certain to become an iconic image of Glasgow.

"It represents the city's rich and proud heritage as well as its ambitions and potential for the future."

The bulk of funding for the Riverside Museum has already been committed by Glasgow City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

An on-going appeal to raise the remaining £5m is close to 80% of its target.

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Posted

Glasgow reveals bid for 2015 World Gymnastics Championships

They submitted the paperwork to bid for the event during the ongoing Worlds in Rotterdam - just one year after the competition was staged at the o2 arena, the gymnastics venue for the London 2012 Olympics.

Under proposals, the event would be staged at the 12,500 capacity £125 million Scottish National Arena in Glasgow, due to open in 2013 and stage the Commonwealth Games gymnastic events and netball finals one year later.

Gymnastics world governing body, Fig, will vote on the hosts for the championship at their council meeting next May.

"This is an outstanding bid with both sport and government working together to secure this prestigious event for Glasgow," said British Gymnastics chief executive Jane Allen.

"British Gymnastics is proud to be able to present such a high standard bid to the Fig and is confident that it will be received well by the president Bruno Grandi and the Fig Council."

The bid team have already begun their campaign for support in Rotterdam and are hosting a Scottish-themed reception for top officials from each of the competing countries along with members of the international federation.

"We are delighted to be part of the bid team for the World Artistic Championships in 2015," said Paul Bush, CEO of EventScotland.

"Staging the event in Glasgow would build on the excitement and spectacle that will be created through the Commonwealth Games and give spectators the chance to witness top level gymnastics competition on their doorstep once again.

"Scotland has proven it is the perfect stage for international sporting events and with the strong governmental support and funding, this event could be a stand-out attraction in Scotland in 2015."

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Posted

Glasgow Airport set for £11.2m makeover

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Continue reading the main storyGlasgow Airport is set for a major makeover, with £11.2m of upgrades planned for this year.

Its owners BAA are spending £5.9m on the terminal building, including replacement of the original heating system.

Following a deal with an American company, more restaurants and a bar will be added.

A four-year project to improve the main aircraft taxi link to the runway, costing £2m, will also begin.

The airport has been hard hit by falling passenger numbers, but managing director Amanda McMillan said she was confident there would be a return to growth this year.

"This investment will ensure that Glasgow Airport continues to provide high quality facilities for its passengers and deliver a smooth, efficient operation," she said.

"Throughout the recession, we have continued to invest for the long term to ensure that Glasgow Airport is able to compete in an increasingly challenging market.

"After a difficult period for the UK aviation industry, I am confident that we will see a return to growth in 2011. "

She added: "The investment we are making this year will allow us to deliver an improved service to our passengers and airline partners, and make Glasgow Airport a more attractive choice for travellers."

Posted

Scotland bids for Tour de France stage

_50726878_010867306-1.jpgMark Cavendish during the Tour de France 2010Continue reading the main storyScotland is to bid to host the opening stage of the Tour de France, cycling's most prestigious competition.

Event Scotland hopes the first part of the race, the Grand Depart, could take place in Edinburgh or Glasgow in 2017.

Chief executive of the national events agency, Paul Bush, said the time-trial stage would cost about £5m to host - but could bring £100m in to Scotland.

The Tour organisers take the start of the event outside France every two to three years.

Mr Bush told BBC Scotland radio's Good Morning Scotland the bid was ambitious.

"To bring the Grand Depart Tour de France to Scotland - which is one of the greatest sporting events every year - in 2017 would be a huge coup," he said.

Mr Bush, who has met Tour director Christian Prudhomme, said: "It's already been in London, and it was in the South of England and in Ireland in previous years.

"But there's also been audacious and ambitious plans for the east coast of America, even the Middle East and Japan."

With Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Gleneagles having the Ryder Cup in the same year, Event Scotland are keen to build on these global events by including cycling's most prestigious race.

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Posted

'Event Team Scotland' Launched

20 January 2011

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EventScotland and Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) today announced the launch of Event Team Scotland, a new online database to connect volunteers and events across Scotland.

‘Event Team Scotland’ will provide volunteers with varying levels of experience the opportunity to participate in sporting, cultural and charity events taking place across Scotland. For event organisers, the volunteering database will provide a bank of potential volunteers in local areas, regionally and across Scotland who can provide general or more specialist event support.

Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health said, "Volunteers will play a crucial role in the success of 2014. But we would encourage people to volunteer and be active in their local communities now which will give them valuable experience for applying as a volunteer at major events such as the Commonwealth Games in the future. This database provides an ideal platform for matching the skills of volunteers with the needs of major event organisers and will help leave a real legacy for volunteering across all of Scotland."

Event Team Scotland provides a platform for the development and training of an experienced volunteer workforce in the years leading to Scotland hosting both the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The Games alone will require around 15,000 volunteers, and it is hoped they will go on to form part of a sustainable workforce for Scotland’s events industry in the years to come.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said, “Scotland’s events industry would not succeed without the hard work and commitment of volunteers. The support and skills that volunteers provide helps create the perfect stage for participants and spectators. Being part of some wonderful cultural and sporting events is very rewarding for those giving their time and skills. We hope Event Team Scotland will help more people share in the event experience.”

Volunteer Development Scotland, Scotland’s centre for volunteering excellence, will host the database as they continue to seek out new methods to modernise approaches to volunteering. Event Team Scotland is one in number of initiatives which VDS have developed to enhance and improve access to volunteering opportunities for both volunteers and event organisers. Once registered, users will be connected to a network of opportunities and event contacts across Scotland.

George Thomson, Chief Executive for Volunteer Development Scotland said, “We are continually working to drive forward modern, resourceful and creative approaches to volunteering for the people of Scotland and this new database is an example of our commitment to this. Volunteering is more important now than ever. It delivers a huge amount of benefits to public, private and charitable organisations right across Scotland and also benefits the individual. Not only can volunteering help develop skills and build confidence it can also create employment opportunities and help develop friendships and improve communities.

This year is the European Year of Volunteering, so we hope people across Scotland will make 2011 the year to get involved in volunteering and use the new database to find an opportunity that matches their lifestyle and personal interests.”

Amongst the organisations already registered on Event Team Scotland are Cycling Scotland for the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland charity ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh in September; Rare Management, for the Mountain Bike World Cup in June; and Traquair House for the Traquair Fair in August. Events will be looking for people from a range of backgrounds including marshals, car park attendants, masseurs and bike mechanics.

David Grevemberg, Chief Operating Officer Glasgow 2014 said, “Volunteers will provide a key element of our workforce across a wide range of jobs, and it will be a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life to get involved in the Commonwealth Games. Event Team Scotland, through the new volunteering database, will provide an excellent way for people to start volunteering, especially for those who haven’t done it before. We are looking forward to working with Event Team Scotland when we actively start recruiting volunteers in 2012.”

The site is being launched today as the start of the year is seen as a peak time for volunteer registrations as people set their New Year’s resolutions and look to give something back to the community. Event Team Scotland is aiming to bridge the gap between those looking to provide help and those requiring it.

Event Team Scotland is being delivered by EventScotland in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland as A games legacy for Scotland programme.

For further information on Event Team Scotland go to www.eventteamscotland.com

Posted

Any budding games developers here?

Commonwealth Games 2014 launches online game competition to students

A competition for students to develop an online game for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has begun, offering students the opportunity to create the concept for an online game that will then be developed for the event website.

The competition is open to any student studying in Scotland, with both the winner and runner-up receiving a cash prize of £2,014, while the winner will work alongside games development firm 4J Studios in creating the game, which will appear on the Glasgow 2014 website.

John Scott, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, spoke to The Drum about the competition and the thinking behind it.

“This is part of the conversations that we have been having with the partners including the Scottish Government around the legacy impact that we can generate as part of the Games and with the way that digital technology is moving forward and the approach that we have taken in the design of our logo and brand design,” explained Scott. “This is about recognising that Scotland has got a great heritage with the gaming industry. This is a great opportunity to encourage the next generation to get involved with the concept using the platform of 2014.”

Asked what the Organizing Committee hoped would be achieved through the use of the online game, Scott said that they were hopeful that the quality of the game itself would appeal to those both within and outwith the Commonwealth and attract people to use the site.

Scott described the brief handed to the students as ‘a blank piece of paper’ which he hoped would mean that some ‘really striking ideas’ would be developed as a result.

“The brief will obviously consider the limitations of putting the game onto a website; it has to suit being placed on a website and will also be suitable for the Commonwealth market as well and recognise the core markets. It must also stay true to the core values of the brand and the commonwealth, those are some of the things that we’re trying to communicate, but beyond that it really is up to them to be creative. It doesn’t have to be about sport, it could be a quiz game, there’s lots of ways that they can approach it. It really is letting the creativity of the students come to the fore.”

The competition will run for a period of eight weeks, where upon the winning entry will be developed by 4J Studios over an eight-10 week period, for launch in late Spring/early Summer.

Scott added that the game would run on the website over the rest of the period in the build-up to the event itself, but that it would be upgraded over time, depending on the game design.

The Drum

Posted

Any budding games developers here?

Rols, this would have to be up there with the Americas Cup Simulation Game as one of the dumbest ideas in sporting computer game history. Can you imagine the excitement being generated in such stalwarts of the CWGs the Isle of Man, St Kitts and Norfolk Island that finally they can go online and replicate the success of their CWG heroes?

And come someone tell us what the core values of the (CWG) brand and Commonwealth are? We all got invaded/settled by the Poms? :D

Posted

Just got back from several days in Glasgow as a surprise new year treat by partner. Thought I would share some thoughts on my first visit to this future commonwealth games host city.

We stayed at the Grand Central which was fantastic and central. The food in Glasgow was good. It was nice to see that Glasgow has not succumbed so much to the glut of large chain restaurants like many other British cities have. The restaurant choice may not have been as exciting as Manchester but I did find it had a good supply of independent resturants which was very nice to see.

Was most impressed by the University side of the city rather than the city centre itself. Had a nice time but did notice a couple of really annoying things from a tourists points of view. Potholes seem to be everywhere in Glasgow. So much so that when it rain large parts of the roads, even in the major tourist streets, get waterlogged. I also found that lots of people in Glasgow seem to be walking around with aggressive looking dogs as protection. This caused several incidences of dog fouling on the pavements. Seriously, there was loads of the stuff. Not nice!

The Gay district was such a refreshing change from Canal Street in Manchester. It had an "old skool" type feel about it. It seemed to actually be for gay people rather than hen party's. Only problem was that there was only a few bars to choose from.

Archtitecture in Glasgow was very nice. I always make a point of trying to look up when I visit a city for the first time. St George's square had some really lovely buildings to marvel at. Sadly, the tourist information point here was not open when we wanted to visit. Not good.

The museums and art galleries in Glasgow were a mixed bunch. I loved the content of Kelvingrove art gallery and museum. We could have spent much longer than the 4 hours that we did. However, the museum of modern was completely underwhelming. The content was quite limited and not to my taste at all.

I was most disappointed when we went on a tourist bus and they made only 1 reference to the commonwealth games and didn't even point out some of the venues. I think the games will do well for Glasgow like it did for Manchester. There are large parts of the city centre that are beautiful and give you the impression of a decent city, but you very easily walk outside of the boundary - only a few streets away from the main areas - and you will see some very ugly sights. I hope that the games will bring about regeneration to these parts. The area around the main sunday market was particualrly grim.

All in all we enjoyed our visit but Glasgow does have some way to go before it can call itself a world class city. Hopefully, the Games will deliver some of the vital regeneration which is needed.

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Posted

Scottish Commonwealth Games medal winners are to be given money to help them when they retire from sport.

A total of 28 medallists will receive a share of a fund worth nearly £200,000 to recognise their efforts and help prepare for life after sport.

Gold, silver and bronze medallists at the 2010 Delhi Games will get £10,000, £5,000 and £2,500 respectively.

The money will be invested on their behalf. The athlete will be given the capital and interest when they retire.

It is hoped a similar scheme will operate for those taking part in Glasgow 2014.

'Real step forward'Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman, Michael Cavanagh, said: "It is recognised that while many athletes receive some contributions towards their sporting costs whilst competing, through the Lottery and other support mechanisms, most put their non-sporting lives on hold and can struggle to re-establish their career after they retire.

"These funds are targeted to invest in pensions or to assist in establishing their post-sporting life following retirement from top-flight competition.

"We believe this is a real step forward and something we are keen to continue for the foreseeable future.

"We also see this as a tangible benefit for athletes, resulting at least in part from Scotland being the next Games hosts and CGS receiving monies from the required buy-out of our marketing rights by the organising committee."

Financial securityFormer swimmer and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Andy Hunter said: "Whilst Lottery and other athlete funding has been a great support during my swimming career, this is a great way of helping athletes prepare for the future.

"As someone who has just retired from their sport and is starting out on a new career path, this funding will be invaluable in helping me bridge the gap between my old life and my future direction."

Boxing bronze medallist Stephen Simmons, who has recently joined the professional ranks, will also qualify.

He said: "It is great to see the athletes being recognised in this way and I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for introducing this new scheme.

"Turning pro is a great opportunity for me, but is still no guarantee of financial security, and this award will help me through this important transition period."

Posted
Scottish pupils to design Glasgow games tartan

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games organisers have launched a competition for Scottish school pupils to design the event's official tartan.

The winning tartan could feature in Glasgow 2014's branding, merchandise and ceremonies.

Tartans can be designed online through a new "tartan generator".

Only one design per school will be considered so primary and secondary schools are encouraged to have tartan competitions to choose a final entry.

The deadline for entries is 17 June.

Each school that wants to submit a tartan must register on the Glasgow 2014 Tartan Design Competition website.

Chief executive of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, John Scott, said: "We're looking for designs that reflect the values of the commonwealth games movement, of Glasgow 2014 and, of course, Scotland.

"We're really looking forward to seeing the entries and ideas that are generated from the competition."

The competition is being run in conjunction with Learning and Teaching Scotland, a national body responsible for reviewing the curriculum.

BBC

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