2014 Games hailed success despite failing to make Scots more active

GLASGOW’S hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games failed to make Scots more active, a report on the impact of the event has concluded.

The final evaluation report into the tournament found benefits for Scotland and the city, saying from 2007 to 2014 the preparation for and delivery of the Games contributed £740 million to the economy and was worth £390m to Glasgow.

The £540m sporting event also supported an estimated average of 2,100 jobs per year across Scotland over the period, peaking in 2014.

There has also been “very considerable success” in attracting other major sporting events to Glasgow and Scotland thanks to investment associated with the Games.

By the end of 2017, Games venues had been booked to host 57 events of UK or international standing, with a further eight held in Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth sports but which took place in other venues.

The report, published the day before the 2018 Commonwealth Games opens in Australia’s Gold Coast, said: “The infrastructure has been a huge asset for Glasgow and Scotland.

“The aspiration to attract international and national events of high calibre has clearly been met.”

But it also stated overall Glasgow 2014 “has not resulted in a step change in population levels of physical activity in Scotland”.

The Gowell East study, which tracked the lives of people in the Games area between 2012 and 2016, found levels of activity fell over time, with just over half of people physically active at the recommended levels in 2016, compared to 62 per cent in the 2012 survey.

Sport Minister Aileen Campbell said: “Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games was the largest sporting and cultural event ever held in Scotland and was declared the best games ever.

“The event has been recognised internationally as an example of strong leadership, planning and partnerships. It has changed the lives of thousands of people.

“What is clear from the report is this incredible fortnight has had a lasting impact on Scotland and created a legacy that will bring social, cultural and economic benefits for years to come.

“The experience has also put Scotland and Glasgow in a great position to host major events, such as developing and co-hosting the new 2018 European Championships with Berlin this summer.”

Aspiration to attract events of high calibre has clearly been met