Update in 'coming weeks' on Glasgow's bid to host Commonwealth Games
Glasgow is bidding to host a scaled-back event after Victoria pulled out due to high costs
The Health Secretary has said there will be up update on the Commonwealth Games potentially returning to Glasgow in the coming weeks.
Glasgow is in contention to host the 2026 event after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to high costs.
The announcement of a new host was expected by the end of May but was delayed due to the UK General Election campaign.
READ MORE: Glasgow among options considered to host 2026 Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has confirmed Glasgow's offering would involve a scaled-back version of the event, with a reduction in the number of sports offered, to try and cut costs.
This would involve a core programme of 10-13 sports with "no significant ask of public funds", down from the 20 sports in competition at Birmingham in 2022.
'Final decision is the coming weeks'
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Health Secretary Neil Gray responded to a question from Labour's MSP Neil Bibby.
He said: "Scottish Ministers have been clear about the financial pressures facing the public purse and we have a duty to balance the potential benefits with the associated risks to ensure that staging the 2026 Games would be the right thing for Scotland at this time.
"Given the proximity of the event, we are obviously working closely with stakeholders to confirm a final decision in the coming weeks."
'An opportunity'
Neil Bibby continued: "£100million of direct inward investment from the Commonwealth Games Federation is on the table for Glasgow should the city host the Games in 2026.
"This investment incentive is unheard of, and would help lever in £150million of economic benefits to the Glasgow city region, and provide multi-million pounds upgrades to venues such as Tollcross and Scotstoun, opportunities for job creation, local procurement and tourism.
"Would the Minister agree that this £100million investment on the table, and the associated economic benefits presents an opportunity that the Scottish Government should seize?"
'Serious due consideration'
The Health Secretary responded: "I absolutely appreciate the work the Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Federation have done to get the revised concept for a new Commonwealth Games to this point.
"It is precisely because we understand some of the potential benefits, as well as the importance of elite sport in Scotland that we are continuing to engage and consider this alongside the potential risks, in terms of exposure to public funding that we cannot cover.
"These discussions are ongoing, obviously we understand the potential benefits, particularly for the Glasgow economy, for tourism, for Scottish elite sport, and the future of the Commonwealth Games itself.
"We're continuing to give it very serious, due consideration."