The Scottish government has today (Tuesday) announced its support for Glasgow’s plans to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
The government has written to Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) offering its support for the latter’s proposal to stage the multi-sport event, which had originally been due to take place in the Australian state of Victoria.
The backing follows detailed consideration of the concept for a “scaled-down” version of the Games in Glasgow. CGS will now decide if it wishes to proceed with its proposal before it is considered by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
Earlier this month, CGS set out its vision for Glasgow to host the 2026 Games, with a “compact” four-venue model proposed for the event. Glasgow last hosted the Games in 2014, with the event praised as one of the best ever.
The CGF has been seeking a new host for its showpiece event after Victoria announced in July last year that it would not proceed with staging the Games due to rising costs.
Costs for Glasgow’s Games would be minimised through a scaled-back programme of 10 sports – half the amount of the most recent Games in Birmingham, England in 2022. CGS has insisted that the event will not require any underwriting from the Scottish or UK governments, with the Games to be funded by private income.
The majority of costs would be covered by the CGF, using the A$380m (£195m/€231m/$257m) it secured in compensation from the Victorian state government following its withdrawal last year. The support will include £100m towards the cost of running the Games.
When signalling its plans for the Games two weeks ago, CGS chair Ian Reid said that the window of opportunity for a decision was “fast closing”, adding that a decision over the coming weeks was “critical” to delivering the Games in Scotland.
Reid said today that Glasgow 2026 is now “one step closer to becoming a reality”.
He continued: “Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world-class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain. This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.”
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray added: “The fact that Glasgow was asked to step in and host the 2026 Games is testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events.
“That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited. The Scottish government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. That assessment has been conducted alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow City Council, the UK government and, most recently, Commonwealth Games Australia.
“The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland.”
The CGF, which has been working with CGS and the Scottish government for several months, has also welcomed today’s development.
“We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and international federations,” said CGF president Chris Jenkins.
“We will work closely with CGS to positively conclude final stakeholder discussions with the aim of formally announcing Glasgow as the host city for 2026 as soon as possible.”
