Glasgow Commonwealth Games on course to hit budget - report

THE 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is on track and on budget, according to the latest progress report on the event.

A six-monthly update highlights the various milestones which have been reached since the end of 2011, as the countdown to Scotland hosting the event continues.

The sports programme for the event has been confirmed and two venues, the refurbished Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh and the international-standard bowling lawns at Kelvingrove in Glasgow, have been opened.

Organisers of the games have spent £63 million between 2007 and 2012 planning and preparing for the Games, with a spend of a further £60 million forecast for 2012-13, according to the progress report.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “The past six months have seen the vision and ambitions of Glasgow 2014 start to become increasingly real and incredibly exciting.

“World-class venues are starting to emerge from building sites and across Scotland, thousands of people of all ages are starting to engage with the Games in so many different ways. Our commitment to delivering an athlete-centred and sports-focused Commonwealth Games is springing to life.

“The pace is quickening and we look forward to sharing the next stage of a journey towards delivering an outstanding Games of which Glasgow and Scotland can be proud.”

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison said: “This report shows the excellent progress in preparations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games over the last six months.