Glasgow 2014: Clyde meets 600,000 across Scotland

The Commonwealth Games mascot has met 600,000 people across the country in the last year, encouraging young people to get involved in sport.
Clyde has met 600,000 people since last year. Picture: Gary HutchisonClyde has met 600,000 people since last year. Picture: Gary Hutchison
Clyde has met 600,000 people since last year. Picture: Gary Hutchison

Clyde, the giant green thistle, has also met the Duchess of Cambridge and Olympic athletes like Tom Daley, since he was unveiled last year.

He recently completed a two-week trip around Scotland, visiting 20 primary schools with former Scottish Commonwealth athletes David Carry and Susan Egelstaff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Part of Clyde’s role has been to encourage young people to take up sport and encourage them to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as promoting Glasgow 2014.

The mascot was designed by 13-year-old schoolgirl Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld who won a Blue Peter competition.

Incredible experiences

She said: “I still have to pinch myself when I think about the incredible experiences I’ve had in the past year with Clyde, from meeting someone like the Duchess of Cambridge to amazing athletes like Tom Daley and Rebecca Adlington.

“It’s amazing to think that from a drawing I made at home, there’s now a cheeky big mascot that has been seen by so many people across Scotland and the Commonwealth.

“I can’t wait to see what else he gets up to before Glasgow 2014 and hope lots more people get the chance to meet him before and during the Games.”

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “Clyde has had an incredible first year as Official Games Mascot.

“Young people have played such an important role in the Games so far and Beth’s design truly sums up what we want these Games to be - friendly, fun, engaging and accessible.

“I can think of nobody better than the cheeky and charming personality of Clyde to continue to build excitement for the Games around Scotland as next summer draws nearer.”