Host City: The events landscape is increasingly competitive, and in the current financially challenging environment, why does Glasgow continue to host major events?
Susan Deighan: Glasgow has an immensely strong record of delivering some of the world’s biggest events, from the Commonwealth Games to COP26, and, this year, the inaugural UCI World Cycling Championships. These significant world events contribute to the city’s economy and identity and over the last decade Glasgow has cemented its reputation as the perfect location for international events.
Yet every bid is rooted in the local. Each decision to bid for or host a major event rests in Glasgow’s policy ambitions. While traditional economic benefits are still key, increasingly the focus is on creating a tangible, worthwhile legacy for the city and its communities.
We believe that the city’s events programme provides the people of Glasgow with the opportunity to benefit in the longer term, from the enhanced opportunities for participation leading to improved health, and wellbeing outcomes.
Major events can be a catalyst for change in societal behaviours, and aligning with local aims to encourage a healthier and more active population has countless benefits.
Take this summer’s Cycling events and their long-term impact. The city of Glasgow is committed to improving access to cycling for all, to active travel, to volunteering, to becoming a healthier, happier, and more sustainable city. For Glasgow, the UCI Cycling World Championships were an incredible opportunity to change a great city for the better.
As a world-leading festival and events destination, Glasgow is capitalising on major events to generate global exposure, developing, and promoting the city’s enviable international brand, People Make Glasgow. In addition, it is a driver for generating positive social impacts. We have recently recruited our first Social Impacts Development Manager, who is responsible for developing and evidencing positive outcomes for local communities and ensuring this is part of our event planning process.
Host City: The theme of this year’s conference is Driving and Reacting to Change. Is Glasgow an innovative city?
Susan Deighan: As you touched on, Glasgow is operating in an increasingly competitive environment, I think this has encouraged us to draw attention to Glasgow’s USP.
In recent years Glasgow has, in partnership with others, created brand new events. In 2018 Berlin and Glasgow successfully co-hosted the inaugural European Championships. In August, Glasgow was at the centre of the biggest cycling event in the world, when it welcomed the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships to Scotland.
Glasgow is a trailblazer; some might say a disruptor. From scratch, we have created completely new major events, which have succeeded and have gone on to be hosted elsewhere. We have an enviable reputation for being a successful host city, making Glasgow a stand-out candidate when international sport bodies are considering where to host their event. They can look at our innovative events history and trust Glasgow to deliver confidently and expertly.
Host City: Continuing to consider reacting to change, how might evolving audience attitudes drive change for host cities?
Susan Deighan: Glasgow has welcomed the Host City Conference to our city for nine years. It returns to Glasgow again this year because we use this gathering of leading destinations, rightsholders and organising committees as an opportunity to pose and discuss the tough questions facing our industry.
This year we will focus on driving and reacting to change. I am confident issues such as what is important to Gen Z will be tackled. How will environmental values push major events to drive innovation through sustainability initiatives, which in turn push governments on towards net zero targets.
Glasgow’s approach to this, across the range of events the city hosts, has led to our ranking 8th in the world on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. The ranking positions Glasgow as the first city out with Scandinavia, and the only UK city, to appear in the top ten, maintaining this will be key when hosting future events.
Will the rise of the mega event continue or will joint pan-destination bids like the UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 become the new norm in international sporting events? Should the historical significance of an event be enough to guarantee its continuation? Continuing to deliver successful events will rest on being brave enough to challenge the status quo.
Given changing tastes, landscapes, and attitudes, we must consider, adapt, and respond to what makes an event relevant to its audiences.
Host City: Equality, diversity and inclusion are increasing buzzwords; has Glasgow made a genuine effort to influence a shift in the events the city has hosted?
A: Yes. I have watched Glasgow flourish by committing wholeheartedly to the transformative power of investing in culture and sport for all. The city has hosted an amazing array of civic events, from the Garden Festival in 1988 and City of Culture in 1990 to the UEFA Champions League Final in 2002 and the opening of the Hydro in 2013, the incredible 2014 Commonwealth Games, the UN Climate Change Conference in 2022 and, this summer, the UCI Cycling World Championships.
This year Glasgow is celebrating soaring up the annual World’s Best Cities Report from 93rd last year to 61st, second in the UK after London, and our role as European Capital of Sport. I think one of the reasons we were the first city to be awarded this accolade for a second time is because we recognise that sport can be an immensely powerful way of bringing diverse communities together. It inspires passion, engagement, and identity like few other things.
At Glasgow Life we believe access and participation are universal rights, which can have profound lifechanging impacts.
For these reasons we are pleased to have worked with UCI to combine all para-cycling events into the main competition programme at this summer’s World Cycling Championships. We support equal prize money for men and women and, personally, I was incredibly proud to watch the elite women’s road race bring eleven days of outstanding competition to a close in Glasgow this summer.
Host City: Looking at evolving sports and formats, what does the future of events in Glasgow look like?
Susan Deighan: 2024 is another significant year as we prepare to be in the international spotlight again with World Athletics and the World Irish Dance Championships.
History and experience continue to deepen my belief that major events have the power to change people’s behaviour at a societal level.
As competition to host events increases from across the globe, and while the financial situation at home remains challenging, it is important we take stock.
In this time of change, Glasgow continues to collaborate with partners and is currently developing a new events strategy. As an innovative host city, with a successful record of reacting to change, Glasgow will respond to the enlightening, exciting and inventive ideas emerging from these discussions, to ensure Glasgow remains at the forefront of event organisers’ go-to cities when deciding on a host city.
Register for Host City 2023 here: https://www.hostcity.com/host-city-2023/register
Tag: Scotland
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Glasgow: the perfect host city for international events
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Scotland’s National Events Conference returns
[Source: EventScotland] Scotland’s National Events Conference makes a timely return on Tuesday 26 March 2024. Taking place at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, tickets for the flagship industry conference for Scotland’s events sector are now on sale.
This is the first time the conference has taken place in four years and will bring together more than 200 of the country’s leading event producers, suppliers, policy makers, and funders from across culture, sport and business events to connect, learn and exchange insights in person.
Under the theme of ‘Resetting the Perfect Stage for Events’, an essential focus of the conference will be updating attendees on the priorities that have emerged from the sector-wide consultation work undertaken to update the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage. The refreshed strategy will provide direction for the industry to the end of 2035 and the conference will share next steps and help to inform development of the strategy’s implementation plan.
The conference will feature keynote addresses and breakout sessions covering themes including Scotland’s future ambition and global status, responsible events, community engagement, Net Zero events, event impacts and workforce development. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking with event colleagues and exhibitors. Full details of the conference programme, including speakers, will be announced across the coming weeks.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “It’s great to have Scotland’s National Events Conference back after four years and a period of unprecedented change.
“The environment for events is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, global challenges, regulation and policy development, societal and environmental change.?The conference presents a crucial opportunity for Scotland’s vibrant event sector to come together to address and share knowledge on many of the key themes, challenges, and opportunities identified from the last few years and through the national strategy consultation. It will be a day not to be missed.”
Delivered by VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the National Events Conference last took place in September 2019 at the world-famous Gleneagles Hotel alongside the 2019 Solheim Cup, the most highly coveted trophy in women’s professional golf team competition.?Delegate feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of respondents stating they would attend a future National Events Conference.
Tickets for the conference are now available for £80 + VAT. To find out more about the National Events Conference 2024 and to purchase a ticket, visit www.nationaleventsconference.com. -
Dates, New Venue and Awards announced for Host City 2024
The annual Host City Conference & Exhibition, the largest international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, will take place at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow on 3-4 December, and include presentation of the inaugural Host City Awards, celebrating the best event hosting achievements, at an evening reception on 3 December.
The move to a larger capacity venue and launch of the Host City Awards reflects the event’s growth, following a decade of increasingly successful events.
Host City 2024 will bring together hundreds of major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world for two days of insightful discussion and debate across plenary sessions, presentations and keynote addresses. The 11th Host City will also feature a hosted buyer programme for the growing community of international event owners and organising committees.
Participants in Host City include International Federation leaders and IOC Members alongside the owners and organisers of major congresses and entertainment events.
Host City 2024 takes place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts: Glasgow Life, EventScotland and the Scottish Event Campus.
Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow has a reputation for world-class cultural, sports and business occasions so we’ll look forward to welcoming delegates to the city once again for the Host City Conference and Exhibition in December.
“The breadth of expertise and wealth of knowledge that is shared at Host City is invaluable for continuing to push the boundaries of successful event organisation.
“We look forward to adding our own distinctive host voice to the proceedings, sharing our experience of delivering engaging and diverse events like the World Athletics Indoor Championships held here in March, and hearing how others create a genuine legacy for local communities.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to continue its partnership with Host City having been a long-standing supporter since its inception. Fostering the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the conference continues to provide a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and also celebration with the introduction of this year’s inaugural Host City Awards.
“The opportunity to attract and bring together key global partners and stakeholders to discuss a range of immediate and emerging trends within our sector is incredibly valuable. We are delighted to see the event’s ambition to grow in scope and scale, and look forward to welcoming both new and returning speakers and delegates from across the sport, culture and business events landscape to Glasgow, and indeed Scotland later this year.”
Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, Scottish Event Campus said: “We are delighted to support Host City. This event plays an important role in positioning Glasgow and Scotland as the natural location for major events and conferences, are we are delighted to be providing a platform for growth for the event.”
Host City 2024 is also supported by Glasgow Convention Bureau.
The full agenda for Host City 2024 and details for the inaugural Host City Awards will be announced soon.
For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com
Commercial Opportunities: adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk -
Scotland launches refreshed national events strategy
[Source: EventScotland] Scotland has today (28 May) launched its refreshed national events strategy designed to provide strategic focus for all involved in the planning, securing and delivery of events across Scotland.
Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035 aims to build on the event industry’s many achievements to date, as well as respond to the ongoing challenges faced by the sector. It also focuses on a range of national priority outcomes and critical success factors for the sector as it looks towards the next ten years.
An extensive consultation was undertaken across 2023 to shape the strategy. This involved an online consultation, a programme of industry engagement workshops delivered in partnership with Local Authorities across the country and a series of online webinars with additional stakeholder groups. More than 300 organisations and individuals engaged and their responses informed the strategy’s key themes and priorities.
Building on this approach, and in order to ensure a strong, shared ambition, the development and approval was a collaborative effort involving Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA and Trade Union representatives.
At the strategy’s core is the need to sustain and develop a dynamic, resilient, and responsible events sector that is recognised as a global leader and valued for its contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy.
Delivery of the strategy’s vision is centred on three critical interconnecting focus areas: Developing Events, Developing the Industry and Developing Scotland.
A range of aligned priority themes are also identified and form a key strategic focus. These include:
• Inclusive & Responsible Events
• Investment and Support
• Measuring, Monitoring and Reporting Impact
• Portfolio Approach enabling a variety of events and a balanced programme
• Attracting, Retaining and Developing a diverse talent pool
• Quality Planning and Delivery
• Infrastructure and Services
• Reputation and Profile
• Visitor Economy
A detailed action plan will be created, building on the set of suggested ‘next steps’ for each priority theme. The Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), together with partners, will help develop and oversee this action plan.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The launch of our refreshed national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035 marks a significant milestone for Scotland’s events sector.
“This strategy is a testament to our collaborative efforts and shared ambition, designed to build on our achievements and address the challenges ahead.
“With a focus on inclusive and responsible events, investment and support, and a dynamic portfolio approach, we’re committed to developing a sustainable events industry that contributes to Scotland’s economy. The new strategy will ensure Scotland remains a global leader in the events industry.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland said: “Since the development of the first national strategic approach to events in 2008, which was updated in 2015, Scotland has achieved an enviable global reputation as a major events powerhouse, hosting a scale and breadth of major international sporting championships, cultural festivals and much-loved regional events.”
“Events are ideally placed to continue to deliver tangible results against a range of national priorities. They serve as catalysts for innovation, bring people together, and span a range of socio-economic impacts that propel society forward.
“The impact of this consistent and sustained focus on developing Scotland’s events industry over the last twenty years has been transformative. The refreshed strategy not only emphasises the hugely valuable importance of the sector, but it sets out a shared ambition for the next decade which is critical for ensuring Scotland maintains its world-leading events destination status.”
Peter Duthie, Chair of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) said: “Scotland’s events industry is an established global leader, delivering world-class events and experiences that contribute vital social, economic and cultural value for Scotland.
“The refreshed strategy provides the focus necessary to retain our global status as we look to the future. It will require us all to work collaboratively, innovatively and responsibly with confidence, determination and purpose, whilst also recognising the part we each play in the continued success of our sector. It also emphasises the need for continued support and investment to drive continued growth.
“On behalf of the Advisory Group, I welcome this strategy as we continue to move forward producing an enviable portfolio of business, sporting, and cultural events.” -
EY Report highlights sustainability of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
To mark World Environment Day (5 June), the organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have today published the event’s Sustainability Report, bringing together the various activities and impacts achieved by the inaugural event which took place in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3-13 August.
[Source: EventScotland] As a purpose-led event, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were committed to embedding sustainability into the organisation, collaborating with partners and supporting the value chain to drive progress to create a greener and more sustainable future for both cycling events as well as for Scotland.
The report builds on the independent Ernst & Young socio-economic impact evaluation report published on 7 February 2024.
Sustainability was a core objective in delivering an innovative, world-class event that would provide a model for the future. The Championship’s Sustainability Framework and its ten high-level commitments were put in place, outlining core values and guiding principles mapped against the pillars of ‘People, Place and Planet’ in alignment with and to drive progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships also signed the United Nations Sport for Climate Action Framework and was one of the founding signatories of the UCI’s Climate Action Charter, further cementing its ambitions to reduce cycling’s environmental impacts.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds undertook a voluntary Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment mapped against the UN SDGs and using the UCI’s new Sustainability Impact Tracker. The report showed the Championships contributed to 14 out of 17 UN SDGs, demonstrating the wide range of sustainable activities undertaken, highlighting the commitment to a sustainable approach to event delivery.
The Championships were also the first event to use the UCI’s Sustainability Impact Tracker to measure its carbon emissions, with the report showing the total carbon footprint of the event calculated as 61.1ktCO2e. Most of these emissions fall within Scope 3 “Other indirect emissions” with the biggest contributing factors being in the ‘travel’ category. This benchmark data will benefit future combined UCI Cycling World Championships and other major sporting events in Scotland and the UK.
Other achievements highlighted in the report include:86% of stakeholders felt the Championships were delivered in an environmentally responsible way.
Appointment of EDP (Event Delivery Partners) Sustainability Champions to implement and drive sustainability measures within each individual event.
Development of a ‘Good Food Charter’ and the establishment of the Event Delivery Partners Sustainability Champions network, with learning and best practice captured to provide a blueprint for future events.
the creation of a Sustainable Procurement Code, which provided a link across the Championship’s Hub and Spoke delivery model, raising awareness of the minimum standards expected to support sustainability, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and low carbon emissions ambitions.The Championships’ commitment to sustainability also included social responsibility, with the report highlighted:
97% of people who attended the event felt it was inclusive.
93% of spectators with a disability found the event to be accessible.
Over 90% of attendance at events were non-ticketed, facilitating greater access to watch and take part.The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships’ ambition to drive awareness and highlight the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion have been recognised, winning the Diversity in Sport Award and Diversity by Design Award at the Herald & Gen Analytics Diversity Awards and the Access All Areas Diversity and Inclusion Awards.
The Sustainability Report, along with other reports produced by the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds Championships, will provide a baseline and a blueprint for future events. Read the full report.
David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Tackling climate change is one of the priorities of the UCI’s Agenda 2030, with one of our aims being to make our UCI World Championships carbon neutral or negative. To do this, we need a base to work from, and I am delighted that we have a solid Sustainability Report from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. The local organisers of last year’s inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships made great headway when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility, and I look forward to this momentum being continued at future UCI events.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were a truly memorable event and an excellent platform to showcase Scotland’s commitment to building a sustainable future.
“This report shows that large international sporting events can successfully embed environmental and social responsibility as a core principle, benefitting the wider community as well as athletes and fans.
“It’s further evidence that the powerful legacy of the Championships extends beyond simply winning medals – in addition to boosting Scotland’s economy and inspiring healthier lifestyles, they have also set the standard for innovative, world-class events.”
Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chairman, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships aimed to champion sustainability in the world of sport, and we are proud of the effort we have made to drive meaningful change.
“The Sustainability Report provides useful insight, learnings and recommendations that will help deliver sustainable events and encourage innovation in the future.
“Collaboration and partnership working were vital to achieving our sustainability objectives and I thank everyone, from our funding partners, event delivery partners and local authority hosts to the athletes and spectators, for all their help in delivering on our ambitions.”
The inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships brought together 13 individual UCI Cycling World Championships, welcoming more than 7,000 elite and amateur cyclists from 131 countries, with around 1 million spectators attending over the 11 days of the event.
The Championships delivered significant social, economic and environmental benefits for Glasgow, Scotland and the UK, including £344m of incremental spend resulting in £205m Gross Value Added (GVA) economic impact for Scotland, and generated £220m Total Visitor Spend in Scotland.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships had a TV audience of 537 million. It was broadcast in 130 countries, totalling around 14,000 hours of programming, and around 200 million hours were watched live on television globally over 11 days. -
Extreme E returns to Scotland for second championship
[Source: Extreme E] Following a successful debut event in Scotland last season, Extreme E today announces its return to Dumfries and Galloway for Rounds 3 and 4 of 2024.
The championship’s latest visit to the popular Scottish location kickstarts the European leg of Season 4, which will take place on 13-14 July.
The announcement of the race return was made today, Thursday 6 June, in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament, by Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, and Kate Forbes MSP, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, said: “I am delighted that Extreme E will be returning to Scotland this summer. Last year’s Hydro X Prix brought both social and economic benefits to our communities and regional and national economies, while providing a new and exciting platform to showcase the country’s offer to a global audience.
“Extreme E shares our ambition for sustainability, renewable energy, gender equality and local conservation and I am confident this this year’s event will once again demonstrate that Scotland can provide the perfect stage for major, innovative international events like the X Prix.”
In 2023, the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site, on Queensberry Estate, played host to two exciting races in Scotland, won by Sir Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing outfit and E.ON Veloce Racing, respectively.
The restored former coal mine, set to undergo the next phase of its major transformation into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm, is a project which is being developed by Foresight Group’s Energy Transition Fund (FEIP). The setting provides a poignant backdrop for the sport, which uses its platform to raise awareness of climate change and global solutions. Exact details of the 2024 course layout will be confirmed ahead of the upcoming Hydro X Prix.
The Hydro X Prix in Scotland represents an exciting return home for Extreme E, creating the opportunity to highlight climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also right on our doorstep.
Scotland’s landscape includes rugged mountains, rolling hills, deep valleys, and stunning coastline. The country is home to numerous lochs, rivers, and forests, including the famous Caledonian Forest, which is one of the few remaining ancient woodlands in Europe. Scotland also has a rich and varied wildlife population, with species such as red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals found across the country.
However, Scotland’s environment is not without its challenges, including issues related to climate change, land use, and biodiversity loss, which are being addressed through a range of conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Heading back to the UK and Scotland for the next event of the 2024 Extreme E season is an exciting prospect for our championship.
“It was a hugely successful event last year and we cannot wait to return to such a dramatic location for our action-packed racing series, but also one which has sustainability values at its core. Scotland is a strong voice in the adoption of a clean energy future and renewable energy sources, and our Hydro X Prix marks a great opportunity to highlight these important issues that are happening so close to home.
“We are excited to race once again and get the second half of our championship underway.”
As part of the championship’s commitments to raising awareness of the climate crisis, Extreme E’s legacy initiatives will continue at the Hydro X Prix.
From the impactful re-planting of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies being implemented by Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality and temperatures, Extreme E will continue to focus on a long-term transformation of the River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local industries.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director at Queensberry Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Extreme E team back to Queensberry Estate for races in their 2024 season. The news of their return is exciting for Buccleuch and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area. The 2023 races at Glenmuckloch were thrilling and Extreme E’s engagement with local young people and their environmental project on the River Nith have left a lasting legacy. For this year’s Hydro X Prix, Buccleuch will work with the Extreme E team to reach more of the community and help them leave their positive mark on the local area. -
Glasgow Life appoints new Chief Executive
Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow, has announced the appointment of Kay Morrison as its new Chief Executive.
An accomplished leader, Kay brings a track record of strategic vision, partnership development and more than 20 years’ experience working across Scotland’s culture and leisure sector.
Kay joins Glasgow Life from her role as Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, where she has led the successful transformation of the organisation over the past three years.
Previously, she was Chief Executive of Falkirk Foundation, the official charity partner of Falkirk Football Club, working to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities through physical activity and education programmes.
She will take up her new post on Monday 7 July 2025, replacing Susan Deighan who helped create Glasgow Life in 2007 and is retiring after more than 30 years of shaping the delivery of culture, physical activity, tourism, and events in Glasgow on behalf of Glasgow City Council.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and reducing inequalities, Kay is known for her commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through the power of culture and sport as well as her contribution to developing national policy and direction for the sector.
Her appointment marks a new chapter for Glasgow Life, as the charity looks to an ambitious future and to helping more people lead richer, healthier, and happier lives through the delivery of world-class cultural, physical activity, and learning programmes and experiences.
Speaking about her appointment, Kay said: “It’s a privilege to be joining Glasgow Life at such a pivotal moment. As one of Scotland’s most important charities, Glasgow Life offers rich sources of hope, meaning and social connection to the people of Glasgow and visitors to the city.
“I’m looking forward to working with my talented colleagues and partners to deliver a fair and inclusive future for local communities, and ensuring our vision remains integral to the city’s social and economic wellbeing as well as building on Glasgow’s impressive global profile.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Kay is an inspiring leader with a deep understanding of the vital role our charity plays across Glasgow’s communities, and her experience, knowledge and networks make her the ideal person to lead Glasgow Life as we look to a positive and ambitious future.
“On behalf of Glasgow Life’s Board, I congratulate Kay on her appointment and look forward to working with her to ensure our charity remains a force for good at the heart of a thriving, inclusive, accessible, and resilient Glasgow.”
Susanne Millar, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Kay into the role of Chief Executive at Glasgow Life and as a valued member of Glasgow City Council’s leadership team. Kay brings a wealth of experience and a clear commitment to Glasgow. Susan Deighan has made an incredible contribution to Glasgow Life and to our city, and I know Kay is ready to build on that success.
“I look forward to working with Kay, in close collaboration with our city partners, as we continue to deliver on the things that matter most to the people of Glasgow. I also want to thank Susan for her exceptional dedication and wish her a long and happy retirement.” -
How brave Scotland safeguarded the future of the Commonwealth Games
When the Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in 2023, citing cost concerns, the future of the mega multisport event was thrown into jeopardy – until Scotland and Glasgow intervened to keep it alive.
“The reason there was no host, frankly, was because the Games had become unaffordable,” said Ian Reid, Chair of Commonwealth Sport Scotland.
When considering stepping in to host the Games, the challenge – and opportunity – was to create a feasible model of delivery, he said, speaking at an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle on 29 January 2026 to celebrate Scotland’s hosting of the Games.
“We thought not just about bring the Games to Scotland, but can we leave a legacy for Commonwealth Sport in terms of how the Games are delivered.”
“The world needs more partnership”
The Commonwealth Games in 2026 will feature an electrifying, but reduced, programme of sports events with participants from 74 nations and territories.
“Glasgow 2026 will be a different Games in terms of what we experienced in 2014, a revised and a developed model to make it sustainable for the future,” said John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland.
“It is about respecting what has come before and embracing the excitement of what lies ahead… but above all else, cherishing what is strong about the Commonwealth, which is friendship, partnership and shared ambition.
“The world needs an awful lot more partnership and cooperation at this moment, so let Glasgow be the focal point for so much of that in the course of this summer.”
For Commonwealth Sport, the rightsholder of the event, Scotland has not just saved the day but the future of the movement.
“We’re deeply grateful because what Glasgow is delivering is not simply a plan for 2026; it’s a signal for the Commonwealth, a signal that the Games can be reimagined, more flexible, more sustainable and more inclusive, without losing the ambition and meaning of the Games,” said Helen Phillips MBE, Vice President of Commonwealth Sport.
“And thanks to everybody’s efforts, we now have a real momentum across the Commonwealth Sport movement, with Malta hosting the 2027 Youth Games, the city of Ahmedabad in India hosting our Centenary Games in 2030. And beyond that, there’s an incredible strong interest emerging for 2034 and 2038 and other Youth Games.”
“On track to deliver”
Despite having to organise the Games in such a compressed timeframe – less than two years – the project remains on schedule.
“I am pleased to say we remain on track to deliver these Games on time and within the overall budget,” said George Black, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company.
“But we’re now 175 days to go, and the pace has picked up, and it needs to. We need to ensure the athlete and spectator experience are positive and be reassured that transport plans are robust and that C3 contingency arrangements proportionate.”
The success of the event delivery is very much a team effort, and there are still opportunities to play a part in making it a success.
“We are open arms to anyone who wants to help us make this event altogether brilliant,” said Phil Batty, CEO of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company.
“Major events have a magical power to bring people together,” he said. “And the idea that we’re going to have over the course of 11 days, one of those moments where you see smiles, you see joy, you see energy and you see electricity created by the act that one single athlete can do on the field of play is just phenomenal. It’s exactly what we need right now.”
“We want to be trailblazers”
“The most important thing is that we have an event for our athletes,” said Reid. “The main reason we did this at Commonwealth Games Scotland is because we know how much it means to them.”
“Glasgow standing up and being brave matches the Scottish culture and how we play as athletes: we want to be trailblazers,” said netballer Emily Nichol.
Glasgow 2026 will have the largest parasport programme in the history of the Commonwealth Games.
“Growing up I was very inspired through Ellie Simmonds,” said Para powerlifter Finlay Davidson. “To feel like I’m slowly reaching that level, and now inspiring another generation, is just amazing.”