The Commonwealth Games come to Glasgow next week - is the city ready?
Glasgow is preparing to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games on short notice following the withdrawal of the original host. Despite logistical challenges and a scaled-back event, organizers maintain that the city is ready to welcome thousands of athletes and volunteers.
Why it matters
Hosting major international sporting events requires significant logistical coordination and impacts local urban development.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Murals in the city have been repainted to celebrate Scottish sporting legends
At the conclusion of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow's then council leader Gordon Matheson was in no doubt how successful the event had been.
"Not only has Glasgow and her citizens completely embraced the Games, but we have demonstrated our credentials as a world-class city," he declared .
As the city prepares to welcome the Games back, the mood is not nearly as bright or positive.
Glasgow will welcome athletes against a backdrop of roadworks, refurbishments and the remains of a building ravaged by fire sitting next to the city's largest train station - but organisers are keen to stress the city is ready.
Glasgow was parachuted in to host the Games after the Australian state of Victoria dropped out, and was partly picked because so much infrastructure was already in place.
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