Glasgow Chases Commonwealth Games

Glasgow has become the UK's frontrunner to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth games after Scottish ministers gave their official backing to the city.

The first minister, Jack McConnell, confirmed yesterday that Holyrood would support the Glasgow bid and provide substantial funding if the city were picked to go forward into the global competition to host the event.

A feasibility study launched last year after Glasgow was mooted as a host city confirmed that the bid was not only possible two years after the London Olympics, but could also reap huge health and regeneration benefits.

Speaking yesterday, Mr McConnell said the games had the potential to change Scotland for the better. The country last hosted the event in 1986 in Edinburgh, but the contest was marred by financial problems and a boycott by African countries.

"Taking the bold step to bring one of the largest events in the world to Scotland shows the scale of our ambition as a nation and the confidence that we have in our biggest city," Mr McConnell said. "Glasgow's bid is viable, it is winnable and it will leave a lasting legacy across all of Scotland. The competition to host the games may well be fierce, but with the support of everyone in Scotland, this is a race that we can win."

It is estimated that the games could cost upwards of £200m. Under the city's plans, the national stadium at Hampden would be upgraded to include a running track, and a £20m stadium would be built in the city's east end. An athletes' village may also have to be constructed for the three-week contest.