New city home is chosen for symbol of Glasgow’s Games
GLASGOW’S Big G – used during the Commonwealth Games – has found a new home.
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Games, it has been announced the sculpture is to be installed in Glasgow Green.
The location was the clear winner of a poll – scoring 66 per cent of the votes.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum came in second with 28 per cent of the poll run by our sister paper the Evening Times, while Hampden Park lagged behind with only six per cent.
Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The poll received a fantastic response and I’m delighted that it has been so successful.
“Images of the city looking its best were broadcast around the world during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Big G played a major part in that, with queues of people lining up to get their pictures taken in front of it.
“It really helped make the city look fantastic during the Games and I am looking forward to seeing the Big G back permanently at Glasgow Green – which was a hugely successful venue for both sporting action and cultural events.
“I’m sure people will flock to see it and it will become a selfie hotspot once again.”
From July 2014, fans rushed to George Square to take photographs and selfies with the 18ft-high sculpture.
But the 3D symbol has been under wraps since the end of the games being repainted and coated for outdoor display. Now those who missed out on their Big G pictures in 2014 can head down to Glasgow Green for a second chance.
The poll started on July 7 – and thousands of people shared their view.
Paul Smith backed the winning side by voting for Glasgow Green, saying it was the most obvious choice for the Games sculpture.
He said: “My choice is for Glasgow Green to be the home as a big G in the Green is self-sponsoring – slogans could be Big G for Big Glasgow Green or Big Open Green – even Big Green or Big Glasgow.”
Jean Quinn shared Paul’s views, saying: “I think the Big G would be right at home in Glasgow Green – people would identify with it as it has the same initials.”
Taller than a doubledecker bus and weighing as much as an elephant, the 18ft-high, four-tonne metal sculpture will be installed in three months’ time or sooner, with groundworks beginning imminently.