Glasgow to host scaled-down Commonwealth Games in 2026

The Scottish government agreed arescue deal yesterday for a scaled-down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be hosted by Glasgow, after Australian authorities offered a "multimillion-pound commitment" to save the event.

- Libby Brooks

The Australian state of Victoria abruptly withdrew as host in July 2023, blaming rising costs. Since then, speculation has grown about whether Glasgow could build on its hosting of the event in 2014 amid concerns from the Scottish and UK governments about financing the event.

On Friday, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offered Scotland almost $A200m (£100m) from the Victorian government's $A380m owed compensation for pulling out of hosting the event.

The announcement was made after a meeting of the Scottish cabinet, and after Scotland's health secretary, Neil Gray, met representatives of Commonwealth Games Australia and Commonwealth Games Scotland on Monday. The decision remains subject to formal approval by Commonwealth Games Scotland and the CGF.

Gray said: "The fact that Glasgow was asked to step in and host the 2026 Games is testament to Glasgow and Scotland's fantastic reputation for hosting international events. That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited."