Paralympic Games: Homecoming parade route for athletes is revealed

By MARTYN MCLAUGHLIN
Published on 06/09/2012 01:32

FURTHER details of the homecoming parade to celebrate the achievements of Scottish Olympians and Paralympians were revealed yesterday, with plans for the procession to make its way through the heart of Glasgow.

The athletes, including Britain’s greatest ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, will be honoured with a parade on 14 September through the streets of Scotland’s biggest city, which is to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Beginning at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the parade ends with celebrations at George Square. Athletes and their guests will then attend a reception hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond in the nearby Old Fruitmarket.

Organisers said most of the Scottish Olympians and Paralympians had confirmed their attendance, including Sir Chris, rower Katherine Grainger, swimmer Michael Jamieson, and cyclist Neil Fachie.

Sports minister Shona Robison said: “We saw some remarkably talented Scottish athletes compete in this year’s Olympics and achieve a record-breaking medal haul.

“The Paralympics have now got off to a great start, with many medals already on the table.

“This is exactly why people from all over Scotland should come to Glasgow to watch the parade, celebrate our athletes’ achievement in style and give them the homecoming parade they truly deserve.”