Extent of Glasgow 2014 economic boost revealed

A £52 million boost to Scotland’s economy and 1,000 jobs on average in each of the past six years have come from building and revamping venues for the Commonwealth Games, according to a new report.
The Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow's East EndThe Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow's East End
The Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow's East End

The Scottish Government published the findings today which also showed £313 million worth of contracts procured to date, of which 82% have been secured by Scottish companies.

The organising committee of Glasgow 2014 has previously said a key aim of the Games is to create a lasting economic, social and sporting legacy in the city and country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ministers said the report is the second in a series focusing on national legacy programmes and evaluating the long-term effects of Glasgow 2014.

It also revealed an expansion of the events industry, with 37 national and international events being secured, with the estimated economic impact put at more than £14 million.

The news comes as Sport Secretary Shona Robison visits Canada this week to promote the Games as the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) travels through Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton.

She said: “We want to host the greatest ever Games and it is vital to everyone involved in Glasgow 2014 that the benefits are felt long after the world class sport has finished.

“Legacy is central to all we do around the Games. That is why I am delighted that today’s report charts the excellent on-going progress of the significant Games legacy which is already embedded in Scotland.

“Such evaluations are not only vital for the Scottish Government and its partners, but will be a useful resource for future host cities, and those like Edmonton which are in the running.”

The Scottish Government published its first legacy report in 2012 and it will continue to be monitored and evaluated in Scotland until 2019.

Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 David Grevemberg said: “The legacy of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is already in action and people are benefitting from developing and participating in projects driven and inspired by the Games.”