As the curtain falls on the 23rd Commonwealth Games it may be an appropriate time to look back on the impact our wee nation has had on the Games over the years.
This has been the fourth time that Scotland has hosted the the Commonwealth Games which is the only occasion Scotland gets to compete in a multi-sport event as a nation in its own right and is one of only six countries to have competed in every “Commie” Games since it’s beginning in 1930.
EDINBURGH 1970
In August 1966 Edinburgh was selected as the first Scottish host for the 1970 Games.
This had an incredible impact on the Capital where Meadowbank Stadium/Sports Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool were built, creating world class sporting facilities for future generations and are still two of the city’s most popular sports and leisure facilities almost 60 years later.
These games were also fairly historic being the first time that:
a) metric units rather than imperial units were used in all events.
b) electronic photo finish was introduced.
c) first games to be broadcast in colour on national television.
(On a non sporting note, Edinburgh pubs were also allowed to stay open later.)
One of the most sensational performances was Dunbartonshire’s Lachie Stewart beating the then World Champion Ron Clark in the 10,000 metres final.
As a result of the outstanding welcome given by the Scottish people during the 1970 games, they were the first to be known as the “Friendly Games” a term that has been carried by the Commonwealth Games ever since!
Inspired by the extremely vocal crowds the Scottish team lifted 6 gold, 8 silver & 11 bronze medals. (25 total)
EDINBURGH 1986
In 1986 the Commonwealth Games returned to Edinburgh again based primarily at Meadowbank and the RCP.
Participation at the 1986 Games was heavily affected by a boycott from 32 African, Asian and Caribbean nations in protest at the UK Government’s refusal to condemn sporting apartheid in South Africa at the time.
Despite funding shortfalls the games were still considered a success although not without controversy with several anti-apartheid demonstrations and the inclusion of South African athlete Zola Budd in the English team.
Twenty-six nations did attend the games with perhaps one of the highlights being 18 year old Liz Lynch (McColgan) winning the 10,000 metres.
Scottish medal count: 3 gold, 12 silver & 11 bronze (33)
GLASGOW 2014
In 2014 the Games again returned to Scotland but this time along the M8 in Glasgow.
These games were the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland with almost 5,000 athletes from 71 different nations competing in 18 different sports. Over ten venues in the city were utilised including converting the national football stadium at Hampden into a world class athletic arena.
Gold medalists included swimmers Hannah Miley & Dan Wallace, Josh Taylor (boxing), Sarah Addlington (judo), Libby Clegg (para athlete), and bowler Alex “Tattie” Marshall. Alex has now participated in a record 8 Commonwealth Games since 1994.
The Games received widespread acclaim for their organisation, attendance, and the public enthusiasm of the people of Scotland.
The Scots recorded their best ever medal haul winning 19 gold, 15 silver & 19 bronze (53)
GLASGOW 2026
When Victoria, Australia announced in July 2023 that they would no longer host the 2026 Games, the future of the event was thrown into great doubt.
In September 2024, following a year of intensive negotiations, it was announced that the Scottish Government had agreed to host the games with financial backing from a variety of sources however, the event would be “scaled down” with only 10 sports staged across four venues.
There were many exciting Scottish performances including Josh Kerr’s incredible mile victory, swimmers Angharad Evans & Duncan Evans, Melanie Woods plus Scotland’s first ever medals in a team sport (3v3 basketball).
Finally, the incredible Neil Fachie became the most successful Scottish athlete in Commonwealth Games history after coming out of retirement to clinch his sixth & seventh Para Track Cycling gold.
Despite the greatly reduced programme, Scotland produced another strong medal count: 13 Gold, 9 Silver & 17 Bronze (39)
Memory added on August 12, 2026
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