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 the 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 attributable to 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 in search of.

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

Grey stated the truth that the town was requested to step in and host the video games was a “testomony to Glasgow and Scotland’s incredible status 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 a number of the world’s high athletes.”

The minister added that CGS could be liable for the funds and supply of the occasion.

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

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

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

He stated: “We imagine Glasgow 2026 shall 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, conjures up 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’ve got 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 guaranteeing that public funds aren’t required.

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

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

A closing resolution was taken at a cupboard assembly on Tuesday morning.

Organisers have said the Video games will come without 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 menace however had refused to fully underwrite the Video games.

Grey beforehand insisted that there was “a status 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 full funds for the Video games is predicted to be about £114m.

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

“This can put Glasgow on the map world wide and is a perfect likelihood to advertise every thing 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 seems to be now.”

Glasgow final hosted the Video games in 2014 at a price of £543m, with 17 sports activities happening in an occasion praised by organisers as one of the best ever.

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

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

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

Durban was alleged 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 working into cash troubles.

Birmingham and the British authorities intervened to save lots of the occasion, stumping up a mixed $1bn for what turned one of the best attended Video games on report.

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

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