Glasgow is to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a deal was backed by the Scottish government.
A scaled-down version of the event, featuring fewer sports and athletes, will return to the city 12 years after it last hosted the Games.
The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the multi-sport event but withdrew as host due to rising costs.
Australian authorities have promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal.
Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray held talks with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss funding, and received the assurances the Scottish government were looking for.
It has now written to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to officially back a “a scaled back, but high-quality” event which will see see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city, with athletics held at Scotstoun Stadium and swimming taking place at Tollcross.
Gray said the fact that the city was asked to step in and host the games was a “testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events”.
He said: “In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”
He reiterated that “financial resources are limited” but confirmed the government was pleased to support the “strong event proposal”.
CGF president Chris Jenkins said it would work closely with Commonwealth Games Scotland to formally announce Glasgow as the host city as soon a possible.
He said: “We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and International federations.”
He confirmed that Commonwealth Games Australia had contributed £2.3m to “enhance the event”.
Ian Reid, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS), said he was “delighted” at the confirmation.
He said: “We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.
BBC News