THE Scottish government has given the green light to Glasgow hosting a scaled-down Commonwealth Games in 2026, it was announced today.

Commonwealth Games Scotland announced in April it had developed a “cost-effective” proposal to stage the Games, following the announcement in July 2023 that the Australian state of Victoria had withdrawn as hosts.

Today the proposal secured the backing of the Scottish government, paving the way for a formal announcement of Glasgow’s hosting in the weeks ahead.

The 2026 Games are set to be significantly scaled down. The PA news agency understands between 10 and 13 sports are set to feature, compared to 19 at the 2022 Games in Birmingham.

Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said in a response to a written question lodged at the Scottish Parliament: “The Scottish government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“That assessment has been conducted alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow City Council, the UK Government and, most recently, Commonwealth Games Australia.

“The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland.

“On that basis, I have written to the Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish government will give its support for the proposal.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “This is fantastic news for Glasgow and Scotland.

 “I want to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for the work they have done to make this happen.

 “Glasgow is a great city, but it is in need of economic investment and renewal.

 “By hosting the games, we can showcase Glasgow and Scotland on the international stage and bring investment and tourism here.

 “This is our chance to complete the legacy of the 2014 games, show global leadership and deliver the change that Glasgow needs.

 “We must all work together so that the people and businesses of Glasgow and across Scotland benefit.”