Glasgow to host homecoming party for Scotland’s London 2012 Olympians

By TOM PETERKIN
Published on 15/08/2012 13:05

SCOTLAND’S victorious Olympic athletes are to be honoured at a homecoming parade and reception in Glasgow next month.

The Scottish Government yesterday announced that the parade would take place on

14 September after the end of the Paralympics and be followed by a reception hosted by the First Minister.

The celebrations, led by Sportscotland, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, will give the public the chance to pay tribute to medal winners such as Sir Chris Hoy, Andy Murray and Katherine Grainger.

Afterwards, Alex Salmond and the council will host a reception in recognition of the huge success achieved by Scottish athletes in London.

The announcement was made after opposition politicians urged the government to name a date for the event, pointing out that celebrations were already in full swing south of the Border.

Despite speculation that the parade would be held in Stirling, the government chose Glasgow in order to drum up interest in the Commonwealth Games, which are to be held in Scotland’s largest city in 2014.

Scottish Olympians won a record-breaking haul of medals in London 2012: seven gold, four silver and two bronze.

The seven gold medals equalled the best-ever haul for Scots, achieved 100 years ago at the Stockholm Games, but the total of 13 medals comfortably surpassed the previous best of nine won at London 1908, Stockholm 1912 and Sydney 2000.

Shona Robison, minister for Commonwealth Games and sport, said: “In the year that Team GB and Scottish athletes attain a record medal haul, we must recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of those Scottish athletes who have participated in the Olympics, as well as those who will be participating in the Paralympics later this month.

“Here in Scotland, we have played our part in these great Games, from hosting football matches at Hampden Park to the hundreds of volunteers that went to London to help out at Olympic Park.

“As we celebrate these successes, we must also look ahead to Glasgow 2014. I have great hopes and aspirations for Scotland’s athletes in the Commonwealth Games and I hope people will take inspiration from these medal winners. I’d like everyone to join us in welcoming our Olympians

and Paralympians back to Scotland.”

Edinburgh City Council will hold a civic reception for capital-based athletes and their families, and plans are under way to grant Sir Chris the Freedom of the City, an honour that has previously been bestowed on the likes of Sir

Sean Connery and Nelson Mandela. Cllr Steve Cardownie, deputy council leader, said: “We will make our own plans to celebrate

the achievements of Edinburgh-based athletes.”

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