Making the most of the 2014 games

ANGUS COUNCILLORS have vowed to make the most out of the economic opportunities presented by the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

All shooting events at the games will be held at Barry Buddon in Carnoustie and Angus Council has formed a steering group to help coordinate and promote the event.

The group’s membership has recently changed and is now led by Councillor Jeanette Gaul and includes councillors Bill Duff, Lynne Devine, Ewan Smith, Ian McLaren, Martyn Geddes and Craig Fotheringham.

It organised and facilitated the Olympic torch relay as it travelled through Angus on June 12.

It will organise another relay to mark the Commonwealth Games and work with Dundee City Council in relation to a games village for the athletes.

Yesterday the Commonwealth Games mascot Clyde visited Carnoustie to drum up interest in the Glasgow games.

In an update to councillors, Mrs Gaul said the Scottish Government would make available £10 million in legacy funding for sports-related projects available.

She said: “The £10 million pot will be available over the next two years with the maximum award of a quarter of a million.

“It’s time to get our thinking caps on. Matching funding will be required for any projects.”

Plans for the shooting range at Barry Buddon have been drawn up. Temporary installations will be required to hold the expected audience of 3,350 spectators, 600 athletes and 500 staff.

Over the coming months a number of surveys will be carried out to inform the planning and design processes.

The Glasgow 2014 organising committee will liaise with Scottish Natural Heritage, Angus Council, the Ministry of Defence, Carnoustie Golf Links, the Scottish Government, sport federations and other stakeholders on the proposals.

Mr Smith said: “I loved watching the Olympics, which really captured the mood of the nation. When the Commonwealth Games are in Glasgow we need to tap into it as much as we can and try to reap some of the benefits.

“That’s why I’m so determined to be on a committee driving this forward. Anything that encourages our youngsters to play or be involved in sport should be encouraged greatly.”

Clyde the Commonwealth Games mascot at Carnoustie High School pool, where youngsters were having swimming lessons, with Provost Helen Oswald and Jen Rankine.