Thousands demand Glasgow 2014 outfits are scrapped

A PETITION to scrap the uniforms to be worn by Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony has received more than 4,500 signatures from disgruntled fans across the globe.

Designer and artist Jilli Blackwood (3rd left) joins Team Scotland athletes as they show off their new uniform. Picture: SNS

The online petition calls for organisers to drop the outfits the athletes are to wear at the ceremony at Celtic Park.

The clothing has split opinion, with athletes and organisers said to have given a “favourable reaction’’ to the design, while many people continue to ridicule the outfits.

Team Scotland describes the male uniform as a “turquoise, fuchsia, navy blue and caramel’’ tartan kilt with a blue shirt, while the women will wear a “flowing wrap-around dress’’, said to be inspired by the saltire.

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

Textile designer and artist Jilli Blackwood created the outfits, and she insisted that she “didn’t expect everyone to like them’’.

But one man is so unhappy with the outfits he has started a petition on change.org titled “Prevent the use of the Jilli Blackwood Scotland uniforms”.

Richard Brown’s campaign has been backed by more than 4,500 people so far.

Writing on the petition page, Mr Brown said: “The uniforms are truly horrendous. Please step in and prevent them being used while there’s still time for an emergency Plan B – before our poor, brave-faced athletes are subjected to parading around in them.”

Speaking earlier this week, designer Blackwood said she would have “got it wrong” if everyone had liked the outfits.

People signing the online petition include Scots living at home and abroad. Leigh Fox, from Cyprus, wrote: “I’ve never known a Scotsman to look bad in a kilt, until now.”

It is not the first time a Glasgow 2014 decision has faced an online backlash. Plans to demolish city tower blocks as part of the opening ceremony were scrapped by organisers after more than 17,000 people signed a petition.

The uniform launch on Monday immediately sparked a round of mockery on Twitter with the comic Al Murray saying: “what in the name of British Home Stores is that?” Sports presenter Dougie Donnelly tweeted: “The team are going OUT like that?”

But the athletes taking part in the Games have backed the uniform. Cyclist Charline Joiner said: “It’s refreshing and a definite surprise.”