Glasgow 2014: Team Scotland parade outfit unveiled

TEAM Scotland athletes have put on show their parade uniforms for this month’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony – to a mixed reaction.

The Team Scotland uniforms for the Glasgow 2014 opening ceremony have been unveiled. Picture: SNS

The outfit received a positive reception from more than 400 athletes and officials in Stirling yesterday.

But public enthusiasm did not match the buzz from competitors.

J Musselman tweeted: “1974 phoned and wants its wardrobe back.”

And Colin Clason said: “There’s fashion disasters and there’s whatever that monstrosity is. Look like air stewardesses.”

The parade uniforms have been made by Glaswegian textile designer and artist Jilli Blackwood, and combines a turquoise, fuchsia, navy blue and caramel tartan with a blue shirt for the men, and a flowing wrap-around dress for the women, inspired by the Saltire flag.

Athletes picked up their full kit yesterday, as well as the parade outfits, and many spoke of their pride to receive the gear in the final countdown to the games.

Team Scotland boxer and Scottish and British champion Lewis Benson tweeted: “Proud to be part of Team Scotland the kit is amazing!”

Gymnast Amy Regan said: “I am in love with our @Team_Scotland kit for the games! Can’t wait to wear it! Not long now #glasgow2014 #GoScotland.”

Ms Blackwood, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, said: “My brief from Team Scotland was to come up with a parade uniform that was high on impact and made a real statement, but also had a contemporary feel.

“There will be no mistaking that this is the Scottish team as they proudly step out at the opening ceremony.”

The distinctive Team Scotland tartan was created by Ms Blackwood and produced by House of Edgar at the Isle Mill in Keith, Aberdeenshire.

A shawl-like wrap and a stone-coloured leather bag complete the women’s uniform.

Athletes were kitted out with their parade uniform alongside their leisure clothing and competition wear.

Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive and Team Scotland chef de mission Jon Doig said: “We wanted a parade uniform that had a bold and confident look, but which still retained the iconic Scottish elements of the kilt and unique Games tartan.

“Jilli has delivered everything we hoped for and the response from the athletes, who played a key role in its development, has been great. And with each of the elements designed and made by specialist companies in Scotland, we are already on to a winner.”

Initial public reaction online was less kind.

Jim Purdie wrote: “I am not a fashion expert but think I would start crying if my mother had made me wear this.”

“Paul” added: “These truly are the days of our lives… in Brigadoon.”

“Supergran” said: “Embarrassingly awful – dress looks like a wee wifie’s pinnie from 50s.”

And Kirsty MacPhee ‏tweeted: “The Team Scotland parade outfits are a whole world of pain to the eyes. Who in the name of the wee man decided that combo??!”

“Greg” concluded: “Looks like the shortbread tin brigade designed it.”

“Dame FloozyMcPoptart” said she “preferred the tartan of 1986”.

Ms Blackwood previously showed designs at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, prompting her selection for Team Scotland.

The tartan for Team Scotland is different from that of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to be used at ceremonies such as the presentations of medals.

It was designed by Aamir Mehmood, 15, of Glasgow’s Shawlands Academy and was unveiled in 2012.