Decision to host Commonwealth games has left Glasgow divided

Recent talks have made it “more likely” the Commonwealth Games will return to Glasgow in 2026, Scotland’s Health Secretary has said.

Neil Gray said it is possible the games could return as a “smaller event”, saying it is “critical” that public money is not used to fund it.

Glasgow last hosted the games in 2014 (Image: Sourced)

We spent the afternoon on Sauchiehall Street asking people if they would welcome the iconic sporting games.

While many seemed excited about the possibility, others remained worried about if the city was ready to take on the event.

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Hector McGillivray, 59, said: “I think it is a great thing that Glasgow is looking to host the Commonwealth Games.

“It brings attention, money and visitors to the city.”

Hector McGillivray (Image: Sourced)

Jeanette McGuire, 67, said: “I think the games would be a good thing.

"It might bring money and tourists so it is something I would welcome.”

Jeanette McGuire (Image: Sourced)

Mark Brady said: “I think any kind of sport is good for capital in a city.

“At the moment in terms of if we actually have the money available for it, it could come down to a finance issue.

“That seems a little dour and a little Scottish frankly, but I think when we have so many other priorities we need to think how much does the Commonwealth Games actually cost?

“Australia had previously planned to host it but ran into money troubles because of the amount it costs. We have so many other priorities I am not sure that the games should be one of the top ones.

“I don’t think the Commonwealth Games generates capital for the city, I think it does generate interest, but not money. That needs to be our priority.”

Mark Brady (Image: Sourced)

Daniel McCrorie, 34, said: “I think any tourism is good for the city, especially something as big as the Commonwealth Games.

"I would welcome it.”

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Daniel McCrorie (Image: Sourced)

Irene McFarlane, 72, said: “I think it would be fantastic if the Commonwealth Games came here.

“Our daughter volunteered last time and is all set to do it again.

“As for the road works and construction, maybe the games would give them an incentive to speed up.”

Irene McFarlane (Image: Sourced)

Joe O'Neill, 22, said: “I think it is a good thing it will bring people to Glasgow.

“We have already hosted it before but this will be a great opportunity to do it again.

“I think we could use the games as a good way to talk about the issues the city is facing, it is a starting place for working on issues like poverty.”

Robyn Carter, 21, said: “The games could highlight Glasgow and give it some attention.

“I can see the other perspective of why it could be seen as a negative, but I feel like as a whole it would be more of a positive experience.

“It could give Glasgow a better name and reputation as well.”

(L-R) Joe O'Neill, Robyn Carter, and Emma Murray. (Image: Sourced)

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Emma Murray, 23, said: “I have some worries because when they hosted the games before in 2014 the city did up some areas, but then abandoned them when the event was finished.

“Will it have lots of investment just to be left again?

“We have to recognise that we are in a place where there are a lot of issues when it comes to poverty and problems, and prioritise them.

"It could be positive if we do that.”

Ramsay McMahon (Image: Sourced)

Ramsay McMahon said: “I think it would be great if the Commonwealth Games came back, it created a great atmosphere before.

“It produced housing as well which was taken up by people who live here as well. I think it is a good thing.”