Commonwealth Games baton relay begins Scottish leg in Glasgow

Glasgow was announced as the host of the 2026 Games after the Australian state of Victoria – which had been due to host – withdrew over rising costs.

The deal was secured after the Scottish government agreed to back it and the Victoria state administration promised a £2.3m investment.

A slimmed-down version of the tournament will see athletes compete in 10 sports.

Organisers have said the Games will come at no cost to the Scottish public purse, with funding coming from compensation paid to the Commonwealth Games Federation after the Australians pulled out.

The UK government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat but has said it will not completely underwrite the Games.

The first minister said attention was turning to the Games following Scotland’s exit from the World Cup, where the Tartan Army had “captured the hearts of millions”.

He said Glasgow 2026 was “an exciting opportunity to build on our global brand and show the world what a fantastic place Scotland is to live, work, study and do business in, and to visit”.

“We want the legacy of this summer of sport – the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Glasgow 2026 and the women’s hockey and cricket team world cup campaigns – to stretch far beyond the next few months,” Swinney said.

“The King’s Baton Relay will carry the excitement of the Commonwealth Games to every corner of Scotland.

“We are supporting free events across the country to mark this and I want everyone to come along, get active and be part of something truly special.”