With just 50 days to go to the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland is ready to welcome the world to a safe, successful and spectacular Games next month, which will provide lasting legacy benefits that will be felt long after the final medal has been handed out.

Preparations for the Games, which organising partners are confident will be the best ever seen, are on time and on budget, with evidence of its Legacy programme already showing benefits across Scotland’s communities.

Young people across the country are benefiting from the Games, with modern apprenticeships up by almost 9,000 at 35,582 in 2013/14 compared to 26,614 in 2008/09.

And earlier this year, Glasgow was named as the eighth best sporting city in the world – climbing the ranks from ninth in 2012, and eleventh in 2010 – as people engage in sports and get more active.

There has been significant regeneration and investment in Glasgow, and the city’s East End in particular, with spectacular new venues including the Emirates Arena, which is home to the impressive Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the stunning SSE Hydro, the development of the Athletes’ Village, and the refurbishment and extension of the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison, said: “As we celebrate 50 days to go until the start of the XX Commonwealth Games, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight just how ready we are to deliver a truly spectacular event.

“We are on track to deliver the best Commonwealth Games in history. This is the biggest sporting and cultural event Scotland has ever hosted and all organising partners have been working tirelessly over the past seven years to get us to this stage.

“The economic impact of the Games is already being felt as new sporting venues and homes have been built, jobs have been created, and more young people are working in modern apprenticeship schemes that will provide them with essential skills for their working lives. We are also seeing people across the country become more active as the Games inspire more people to get involved in sport and physical activity.

“While we wish our athletes every success, the Games is much more than medals – it’s a catalyst for regeneration, innovation and for sustainable economic growth. With only 50 days to go to the opening ceremony, I’m delighted to say that Scotland is ready to welcome the world for the greatest Games ever.”

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