The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow this summer after a brief interlude, with the city gearing up to host its second instalment of the prestigious multi-sport event. As athletes prepare to converge on Scotland's largest city, it's clear that Glasgow is no longer the same place that thrilled the world in 2014 – or at least, not quite yet. Major infrastructure projects are reshaping the urban landscape, including the high-profile 'Avenues programme', which promises to revolutionise central thoroughfares with sleek new cycle lanes and verdant green spaces.
This year's event is a more streamlined affair compared to its predecessor, featuring 10 sports rather than the 17 seen in 2014. The numbers remain impressive: around 3,000 athletes will compete for 215 gold medals over a 10-day period. Yet, hosting remains a significant undertaking, particularly with a shorter preparation timeline and a more modest scale. Thousands of volunteers and support staff are already mobilising, with registration currently underway at Glasgow Caledonian University, which is serving as the accreditation centre. An estimated 20,000 passes are expected to be collected by the time the Games conclude on 2 August.
Despite the excitement among organisers and competitors, public sentiment appears somewhat muted compared to the widespread euphoria that characterised 2014. That year, then-council leader Gordon Matheson declared Glasgow had 'demonstrated her credentials as a world-class city' and that citizens had 'completely embraced the Games'. Fast forward to 2026, and the atmosphere is less effervescent. Susan Egelstaff, a former Commonwealth Games badminton competitor and now a journalist, noted that the recent World Cup, featuring Scotland, had dominated headlines, making it difficult for the Games to capture similar anticipation. She suggested that while there isn't outright negativity, there is a notable 'apathy' among residents.
The ongoing urban transformation, part of the 'Avenues programme', means that city centre streets are experiencing significant disruption. One passer-by on Argyle Street, currently undergoing extensive work, commented, 'It's good they're back but Glasgow is a mess!' This sentiment reflects a perceived tension between hosting a major international event and addressing other pressing city priorities, with some questioning the timing of the Games amidst such extensive redevelopment.
Yet, there are still many in the city who draw inspiration from the 2014 legacy. Niamh Mackenzie, a 19-year-old psychology student volunteering this year, cited her relatives' positive experiences in 2014 as a motivation to be part of the new Games. Similarly, Daniel Bustillos-Arell, an American resident in Scotland for over a decade, spoke of the enduring positive memories of the 2014 Games among locals, which prompted his involvement. These volunteers are hopeful that the 2026 Games will still deliver a positive experience for all participants and visitors, despite the different circumstances.