Scotland backs 'scaled-down' Commonwealth Games after Victoria bailed

Health Secretary Neil Gray, whose department also covers sport, said it was now up to Commonwealth Games Scotland to decide whether to go ahead with the project.

“The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland,” he said, stressing the government’s “limited” financial resources.

“On that basis, I was pleased to write to Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish government will give its support for the proposal.

“In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”

Commonwealth Games Scotland chair Ian Reid said it would talk with other stakeholders in the coming weeks before a formal 

“Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal,” he said.

“We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.”

Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins said he was “delighted” by the support. 

“At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100 million ($195.4 million) from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK governments,” he said.

“The additional generous contribution of around £2.3 million from Commonwealth Games Australia to the Glasgow concept will further enhance the Games delivery and is a strong sign of the support and excitement for the concept within the wider Commonwealth Games movement.”

Victoria’s decision to host and then abandon the 2026 edition cost the state almost $600 million, according to a scathing report by the state’s auditor-general’s office (VAGO) in March.