Seòmar agus comataidhean

I recognise that there will be differences in viewpoint on the issue between us and the Conservatives, but I hope that you can see quite clearly that I have set out in my amendment the need to work more with local government and our care providers. It is acknowledged and it is our responsibility to do so.

I had also hoped that there might have been consensus on the point in the amendment around the need for the UK Government to scrap the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, which are costing our social care providers £84 million.

I am delighted to be here this afternoon to address the chamber ahead of the Commonwealth games next year. Today marks 233 days until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasgow—that is only eight months away—and just over a year since Scotland agreed to take on the event at short notice, safeguarding the future of the Commonwealth games. Today, I will reflect on how the games came back to Scotland and how we have secured their future, and I will confirm how we will support the success of the games in Glasgow.

Many colleagues across the chamber will remember fondly the huge success of the 2014 games—I do. In 2014, we had years to prepare. This time, everything has happened at lightning speed. This will be the fourth time that Scotland has hosted the games, and I thank the organising company, Commonwealth Games Scotland and Glasgow City Council for their tireless work in bringing Glasgow 2026 to life at such short notice. We have been able to do that because Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, has such a strong track record of successful event delivery, including being the first to host newly modelled events such as the European championships in 2018 and, more recently, the cycling world championships in 2023.

However, this is not just about the Glasgow 2026 games. By stepping up now, Scotland is helping to secure the future of the Commonwealth games for decades to come. Our new reimagined approach makes hosting more affordable and sustainable, opening the door for more nations to be able to take part in the future. Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting representatives from across the Commonwealth during their general assembly, when the 2030 host was announced as Ahmedabad in India. This is about partnership and continuity, and it is about ensuring that the games continue to inspire athletes and communities across the Commonwealth.

The passing of the games baton from Glasgow to Ahmedabad is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that connection and take advantage of the opportunities for both countries. I spoke with colleagues from India about how Scotland can support a successful centenary games, and I was keen to share our extensive experience of hosting major international events. That is the legacy of Glasgow 2026—it is not just about a world-class event here at home; it is about a future for the games that every nation can share.

At home, the benefits for Scotland are clear—economic opportunities for businesses, upgrades to venues and an opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate. Indeed, the games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit to Glasgow and Scotland, supporting local businesses and jobs. Public support is strong, too. I am delighted to see the huge demand for tickets, not just here in Scotland but across the Commonwealth—people are supporting the games.

I am also pleased with the progress that has been made this year on our venues. The first phase of work at Scotstoun’s track is now complete, and Tollcross swimming pool is undergoing important upgrades to meet the highest standards for athletes and spectators. Those improvements will not only support the success of the games but leave a lasting legacy for local communities, providing world-class facilities for years to come.

Commonwealth Sport’s co-ordination commission has recognised the progress that has been made at such pace. In August, I was hugely encouraged by the feedback that was received from Commonwealth Sport, which praised the organising company for demonstrating “innovation at its ... best” and commended the preparations progressing at pace. I am pleased to see the proactive engagement that has been undertaken by Glasgow 2026 Ltd, which is working closely with local community groups, the third sector and public and private sector partners to ensure that the benefits of the games are felt by communities in the city. That approach to collaboration is vital to ensuring a lasting impact and successful games.

I know that I do not need to remind colleagues of the immense national pride that each of us felt when the Scotland men’s football team qualified for the world cup just a few weeks ago. As I said in response to an urgent question on that, I am determined that we catalyse the same sense of hope, opportunity and support for our nation’s athletes with the Commonwealth games as we do with the world cup next summer. Our focus on team Scotland remains at the heart of the games. We know that our athletes have the games marked in their calendar and are ready to do us proud.

The Commonwealth games give Scottish athletes the chance to compete under their own flag—a tradition that we are proud to continue. Glasgow 2014 was a springboard for success, with 25 of the 34 Scots on team GB at the Paris Olympics having competed for team Scotland at the Commonwealth games, including six of nine medallists.

I am thrilled to see Duncan Scott return to the pool where his Commonwealth journey began in 2014 and to welcome rising stars such as Megan Keith in the 10,000m, joining established legends such as Jake Wightman, Neil Gourley and potentially Josh Kerr in the historic Commonwealth mile, which will make its first appearance since 1966. That shows the vital role that the games play in developing talent and giving athletes the experience that they need to succeed on the world stage.

Glasgow 2026 will host the most inclusive programme ever, and it will make history as medals for para powerlifting will be the first to be awarded, which is a first for any Commonwealth games.

It is not only athletes and their supporters who will get hands-on experience at the games. The games volunteer programme recently closed, exceeding expectations with thousands of people applying. I was pleased to see that the minimum age to volunteer was lowered in order to give our young people an opportunity to be part of the programme.

As exciting as those 11 days of world-class sport will be, the Commonwealth games are about so much more. We are determined to deliver a meaningful legacy that reaches beyond the competition itself, even with a streamlined games. That legacy will focus on creating lasting benefits for communities, inspiring participation and strengthening connections across Scotland and the wider Commonwealth.

Alongside that, the King’s baton relay has been reimagined for these games. We are really looking forward to welcoming the batons back to Scotland in July 2026, and we are planning our own programme of activity, working with partners across Scotland and inviting our communities, local businesses, athletes and artists to join in.

All 74 Commonwealth nations, including Scotland, will receive their own baton and have the opportunity to decorate it themselves to reflect their culture and creativity. All the batons will be present at the opening ceremony, and as they converge in Glasgow they will carry with them a message of hope and friendship.

Welcoming thousands of visitors to Scotland gives Glasgow another chance to shine and showcase the very best that we have to offer, and the Scottish Government is committed to maximising every social, cultural and economic opportunity.

That is why I am delighted to announce today that, working with our partners, the Scottish Government will provide £150,000 to create and run Scotland house during games time. It will be a welcoming hub for athletes and their families to use and a platform to celebrate Scotland’s sporting, cultural and economic strengths. Located at the Corinthian in the centre of the city, Scotland house will host an ambitious programme of events, from sport to creative industries. It will be open throughout the games to showcase the best of Scotland.

A series of targeted events is planned to showcase Scotland and Glasgow’s strengths and expertise across a range of sectors. Scotland house will serve as the central hub for business engagement during the games and offer a platform to facilitate trade and investment opportunities by hosting networking events, business forums and sector-specific showcases. It will also promote Scottish sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, tourism and food and drink. Those events aim to attract national and international leaders and forge connections that will benefit our economy long after the games. Scotland house will demonstrate our ambition, creativity and commitment to building lasting partnerships. By bringing together sport, culture and business under one roof, we will ensure that Glasgow 2026 delivers benefits that extend far beyond the games themselves.

Glasgow 2026 is about more than hosting a world-class sporting event; it is about supporting team Scotland, strengthening international partnerships and creating a lasting legacy for communities across our country. It will be an incredible summer of sport in Scotland. We have eight months to help build momentum and eight months with Finnie the unicorn, the games mascot, who will pop up across Scotland to bring colour and excitement to communities. It is eight months until thousands of spectators descend on Glasgow to fill our shops, support our local businesses and celebrate our great city. It is eight months until our athletes take their first step, leap, jump and dive into what I am sure will be Scotland’s best performance yet.

When Scotland stepped up to safeguard these games, we set a new course for the future. Now, we take the next step in showcasing our nation to the world. I hope that the whole Parliament will join me today in wishing our Scottish athletes the very best in their preparations and letting them know that we stand ready to cheer them on as we make the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth games another one to remember.

There are a couple of points to respond to, and the first is the point about the scaled-down games. They were scaled down so that we can work with Commonwealth Sport on reimagining what the Commonwealth games can be and to encourage others to bid to hold them. The fact that Nigeria was in the running and that, for the first time, there was the prospect of an African nation being able to host the Commonwealth games is a legacy of Glasgow that we hope can be sustained towards 2034. We hope that we will see more nations being able to bid to hold the games.

The reimagining is not necessarily through choice or because we want the games to be smaller, but in order to ensure their sustainability into the future. We are all aware of why we are hosting in 2026 and why others have had to step in in the past.

The opportunity to enhance sport is absolutely at the heart of what I will be looking to do alongside the minister for sport, Maree Todd. Through the budget process, we will be looking to ensure that we can support team Scotland going into the games. The issues that Mr Whittle has raised have been raised with us at meetings with sports governing bodies, and we will give them serious attention during the budget process.

The Commonwealth games will bring significant economic opportunities to Glasgow and the wider region, as well as to the whole of Scotland. Major international events of that scale typically generate substantial benefits through increased tourism, hospitality and spending in local businesses. The games are expected to bring more than £150 million of economic benefit to Glasgow and Scotland, supporting local businesses and jobs. We are pleased to support Scotland house in the centre of the city, which will bring together national and international businesses to forge new connections.

There are growing international links between Scotland and India, and they are already very strong in a number of sectors. The UK-India trade deal offers us opportunities in that space. It will be a central part of the Government’s agenda to ensure that the economic opportunities are maximised for Glasgow and Scotland as well as for Gujarat and India.

On the economic aspect, I agree with Alex Cole-Hamilton on the need to ensure that we support and facilitate people to be able to enjoy sport. I was the beneficiary of that, growing up in Orkney, with volunteers supporting local football clubs, athletics clubs, rugby clubs, swimming clubs, badminton and octopush. The array of sports that I was able to access as a result of volunteers where I grew up is the reason why I attempted to emulate Mr Whittle’s achievements in the way that I did.

As I said in response to Mr Bibby and Mr Whittle, we can look to the sport budget and ensure that we are providing the best support that we can. I know that Mr Cole-Hamilton will engage constructively in the budget process to ensure that we maximise the opportunity to give people in all parts of the country the same exposure and similar experience that you, Presiding Officer, have helped to support in the past in your work with athletics clubs.

In relation to business engagement and what can be done to maximise the business opportunities from the summer of sport, it is important that we recognise that the lead-in to the Commonwealth games will be dominated by the success of Scotland’s men’s team at the football world cup. There will be significant business opportunities, particularly for hospitality businesses, as we touched on during the urgent question the other week. We are engaging with businesses on what we can do to maximise the opportunities from the world cup and the Commonwealth games.

In my statement, I touched on the investment that we are making with partners through business engagement via Scotland house, which is a huge opportunity for those Glasgow-based businesses that export and have links with Gujarat or wider Indian business networks to ensure that those trade links are strong, and I am very much looking forward to that on-going success.

What the public transport regime is going to look like is for the organising company to decide. We are engaging with that company on what plans they have in place.

I look forward to the discussions on the sport budget and Labour’s asks that we will have in the build-up to the budget. We are looking to make sure that we can continue to invest in sport to realise the preventative benefit of participation, but also to support team Scotland as it prepares for major events such as the Commonwealth games and other events like it.

That is an important aspect. We recognise that the delivery of the games is fundamentally important, as they are a major sporting event that can showcase the best of Scotland and Scottish sport, as well as international athletes who are coming and the links that we can have with other countries. I extend publicly my congratulations to Ahmedabad in Gujarat in India on being recommended as hosts for the 2030 Commonwealth games. I was able to do that in person with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, when he led the Indian delegation that was visiting the General Assembly.

The Scottish Government is very much looking forward to continuing with collaboration and further strengthening bilateral relations, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to say so during the discussions that we had on the fringes of the General Assembly.

I recognise from a previous visit that Scottish Development International has a strong presence in India. The Indian delegation, including Mr Sanghavi, and the consulate in Edinburgh are keen to maximise the opportunity to build and grow our deepening relationship with India in general, and Gujarat in particular, by using those links. The announcement that was made today about Scotland house for the games will be an opportunity to facilitate that.

I could not agree more with Emma Harper. I mentioned a few examples of that in my statement, and, as I have said, I am pleased that the first phase of work has been completed on Scotstoun stadium to build the new athletics track for the games. That track will be an asset for the city, giving people in Glasgow access to another first-rate international-grade sports facility for years to come.

Glasgow 2026 has held a series of workshops to develop its “story of change” legacy and impact plan, bringing together participants and organisations from across Glasgow and Scotland to discuss how communities can benefit from the games and how Glasgow can celebrate the games and the festival that I expect to be held in the city, surrounding the games. The aim is to create a lasting legacy and impact for Glasgow far beyond the games.

I am confident that Glasgow City Council and Glasgow will be in shape to welcome the world. I say that not only from my perspective standing here but because of the engagement that I had with delegates who came from around the world to visit Glasgow as part of the Commonwealth Sport general assembly and were blown away by the facilities, the integration and the work that is being done across Glasgow to prepare for the games. Donald Rukare and the other international delegates and partners from Commonwealth federations were more than pleased with the facilities on offer and were delighted to see Glasgow stepping in to save the games.

No—because there is also a cone on the head of Finnie, the mascot, who is on the badge that I am proudly wearing.

I will answer Sandesh Gulhane’s points, because they are serious ones, but I hope that, as a Parliament, we can also get into the spirit of what we are seeking to achieve next summer in Scotland. There will be the football world cup, which Scotland’s men’s team has just qualified for, and the Commonwealth games will come to Scotland. The games were literally saved by Glasgow stepping in in the way that only Scotland could. At the Commonwealth Sport general assembly event that I held last week, Maree Todd and I were approached by a number of delegates who told us that there had been no plan B—no other alternative—so, if Glasgow had not stepped in, there would have been no Commonwealth games. We must recognise and celebrate that.

We should also recognise the work that is being done by Glasgow City Council. The work at George Square has been some years in planning, and it is for the council to work through delivery in that regard. From my discussions with the likes of the Commonwealth Sport president, Donald Rukare, I am confident that, regardless of whether the work at George Square has been completed, given the facilities that people have seen and the engagement with the organising company—it, not the federation, is responsible for the delivery of the games—they are confident of Glasgow’s success, including its onward success in relation to the Commonwealth games to come.

I promised Donald Rukare that, by the summer, the weather would be better than it was last week, when he arrived, but, unfortunately, I do not have complete control over that.