Following the conclusion of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Commonwealth Games Scotland office will be closed for the week of the 10th – 14th August.
The office will reopen for business as usual on Monday 17th August.
Elinor Middlemiss MBE has announced that she will retire from Commonwealth Games Scotland following Glasgow 2026 after an extraordinary involvement with the Commonwealth Games, that began at the Edinburgh 1986 Commonwealth Games and will conclude in Glasgow in 2026.
Elinor represented Scotland at five Commonwealth Games as a Badminton athlete between 1986 and 2002, competing across successive Games cycles and achieving medal success for her country.
Those formative experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to excellence, athlete welfare and the unique pride of representing Scotland on the Commonwealth stage.
Following her competitive career, Elinor transitioned into sport administration and leadership, becoming a central figure within Commonwealth Games Scotland, and made history when she became the first ever woman to hold the post of Chef de Mission for Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022.
Across multiple Games cycles, she has played a pivotal role in the planning, preparation and delivery of successful Team Scotland campaigns, earning widespread respect for her calm authority, clarity of purpose and people-first approach.
Glasgow 2026 will mark Elinor’s tenth Commonwealth Games involvement and her final role with the organisation, serving as Chef de Mission for a home Commonwealth Games. It represents a fitting and symbolic conclusion to four decades of service to Team Scotland, bringing her journey full circle from athlete to a senior team leadership role, back on home soil, where it all began.
Reflecting on her career, Elinor said “I’ve been planning to retire after the 2026 Games for some time now, and the fact that they’re being held in Glasgow as a home Games makes it feel even more right. It will be such a special experience and a truly brilliant way to finish.
“I’m completely focused on, and excited about, leading Team Scotland at a home Games in Glasgow as Chef de Mission in the summer. It will be an incredibly special experience. I had the privilege of being part of the Team Scotland General Team Management at Glasgow 2014, and to be able to do it again in 2026 is a real honour. Sharing in the experience that each of our athletes will have in Glasgow is a privilege I never take lightly, and the entire team staff and I will work tirelessly to make this a great Games for Team Scotland.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the roles I’ve had with Team Scotland, from competing as an athlete at five Games between 1986 and 2002, to being part of different amazing, dedicated staff teams since 2010. Glasgow 2026 will be my tenth Games, and each has been amazing in its own way, each with its own personality, environment and challenges.
“I began working in sport in 2006 at the East of Scotland Institute of Sport alongside Michael Cavanagh, a great champion of the Games and of Team Scotland. I later moved to Commonwealth Games Scotland as Head of Games Operations in 2011. I still remember a conversation on a flight to an Isle of Man Youth Games recce, when a colleague encouraged me to go for the role and that simple ‘absolutely’ stayed with me and opened the door to so many opportunities over the past 15 years. He knows who he is.
“Being responsible for the planning, preparation and delivery of Team Scotland has been an incredible privilege. Serving as Chef de Mission at Birmingham 2022 and again for Glasgow 2026 is something I never imagined would be possible, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
CGS Chair Ian Reid said: “Elinor departs Commonwealth Games Scotland with our thanks and best wishes and leaves an enduring legacy. She departs with the deep respect of athletes, colleagues and partners and the gratitude of Scottish sport for a career defined by commitment, integrity and pride in the Commonwealth Games. Her ability to bridge athlete experience with Games delivery to provide the best platform for them to perform has defined her contribution and influence.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent online abuse aimed at the models who featured in our Ceremonies Outfit reveal this week.
Discrimination has no place in sport or society, and we will continue to stand alongside anyone subjected to such comments. Adam and Victoria have our full and ongoing support.
This summer, Glasgow will welcome 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth. Glasgow 2026 will be a festival of celebration: the most inclusive, community-driven and connected Games yet. We look forward to celebrating the power of sport, and our inspiring athletes, in the months to come.
Commonwealth Games Scotland are saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Craig Reedie.
A proud Scot who became a major figure in the world of sport, Reedie served with Badminton Scotland, first as a player at national level and then as Secretary and President. He linked into Commonwealth Games Scotland in this capacity after Badminton first appeared in the Commonwealth Games in 1966 and again in Edinburgh in 1970.
He became head of the Badminton World Federation and oversaw the sport’s entry to the Olympic Games in 1992. He later served as the chairman of the British Olympic Association, being central to the successful bid and then delivery of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
Rising to the position of Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, he later became the third President of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Immensely influential and respected on the world stage, Sir Craig continued to support a range of sporting events in Scotland including the Commonwealth Games and played a key role through informal advice on the bid and delivery of the successful Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. His wider impact on Badminton in Scotland was recognised the re-naming of the National Badminton Centre as the Sir Craig Reedie Centre in 2014.
We pass our sincere condolences to Lady Rosemary and family and to all of Sir Craig’s many friends and colleagues inside and out with sport. We will all miss his wit, counsel and support. His efforts and achievements on behalf of sport are testimony to his lasting impact.
Team Scotland and LEA Winery have announced a landmark five-year partnership that will see the Italian producer become an Official Partner through the next two Commonwealth Games cycles – Glasgow 2026 and Amdavad 2030.
The long-term agreement brings together high-performance sport and a modern, premium zero-alcohol brand at a defining moment for Scottish sport, ahead of a home Games in Glasgow this summer.
At the heart of the partnership is Franc Lizêr, LEA Winery’s premium zero-alcohol sparkling brand, which will feature across Team Scotland events, partner activations and official receptions. Together, the partnership aims to champion a contemporary culture of celebration and one that reflects performance, wellbeing, inclusion and responsibility.
The collaboration is built on shared values: ambition, discipline, sustainability and forward-thinking growth. LEA Winery enters the partnership with several sustainability certifications, reinforcing its measurable commitment to responsible production and environmental stewardship. These credentials align closely with Team Scotland’s progressive commercial strategy and the evolving expectations of global sport audiences.
For LEA Winery, the partnership accelerates its strategic expansion within the UK market through association with one of Scotland’s most recognised sporting platforms. For Team Scotland, the agreement strengthens long-term commercial stability and enhances activation opportunities as it builds towards Glasgow 2026 and beyond.
Eleonora Spadotto, Co-Owner and Sales Director of LEA Winery, said: “From the very beginning, this partnership felt like a natural alignment. Team Scotland represents excellence earned through commitment and resilience — values that guide our work at LEA every day. Together, we want to redefine how success is celebrated, combining premium quality with responsibility and sustainability.”
Colin Millar, Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations at Team Scotland, said: “We are proud to welcome LEA Winery into the Team Scotland family. Their focus on sustainability and modern celebration aligns with the direction of elite sport today. This long-term partnership will help us support our athletes while presenting a progressive image of Scottish sport on the international stage.
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is seeking to partner with a high-calibre master licensee to elevate the Team Scotland brand across the 2026 Commonwealth Games cycle.
The chosen partner will deliver the merchandise and licensing strategy for Team Scotland from appointment until the end of 2026, with the possibility of extension to cover the 2030 Commonwealth Games cycle.
We are looking for a partner who shares our values and passion for Scottish sport, and who wants to contribute to the success of Team Scotland at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Key requirements include:
- Design, source and sample an accessible and sustainable merchandise range
- Attract and manage valuable sub-licensees, particularly Scottish-based
- Design and operate an online store and ensure fulfilment to domestic and international customers
- Deliver a detailed business plan including mid and high-level revenue forecasts
- Provide infrastructure and staff to operate a pop-up retail unit at Glasgow 2026, likely to be accommodated within Team Scotland House
Completed submissions should be returned by midday on Monday 1st December. For full submission requirements and details please CLICK HERE.
DYNAMIK, a leading sports surfacing specialists, has been announced as an Official Supporter of Team Scotland and an Official Provider of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The partnership will see DYNAMIK deliver world-class sports flooring, equipment and services across multiple venues as the Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
The announcement comes as phase one of redevelopment work at Scotstoun Stadium is completed with the installation of a new MONDO athletics track, marking a major milestone in venue preparation. DYNAMIK will also supply temporary 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, and Netball flooring for the Games next summer.
Glasgow 2026 will be the biggest sporting event in the UK next year, bringing together 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports, with more than 200 medals to be won in 50 medal sessions.
The brand-new blue, state-of-the-art MONDO track, supplied and installed by DYNAMIK, will be the stage for the Athletics programme at Scotstoun Stadium, hosting six days of thrilling Athletics and Para Athletics action starts on Monday 27 July. The programme will see some of the biggest names take to the track and field, with the competition schedule featuring 59 medal moments across 12 sessions, which includes the return of the iconic Commonwealth Mile, back for the first time since 1966.
The second phase of works will begin in April 2026 when final lines will be painted on the track and work on the in-field will commence.
Craig Jack, Managing Director at DYNAMIK, said: “DYNAMIK is incredibly proud to play a part in preparing Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The new track represents the very best in performance, giving athletes a surface of the highest standard. As an Official Provider, we are excited not only to deliver a world-class track but also to deliver 3X3 Basketball courts, Netball courts and equipment, supporting sporting excellence and leaving lasting community benefits at Scotstoun Stadium.”
Jon Doig OBE, CEO of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “We are delighted to welcome DYNAMIK as a supporter of Team Scotland, and look forward to seeing our Scottish athletes create unforgettable moments on the track and courts next summer.”
Phil Batty OBE, CEO, Glasgow 2026 said: “DYNAMIK shares our passion for sport and it’s fantastic to welcome them on board as an official provider for Glasgow 2026. The team will provide world-class flooring for the Commonwealth’s leading athletes across Athletics, Para-Athletics, 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball and Netball.
“It’s great to that work has already begun at pace, with the first phase complete and then next year, we’re on the home straight with final updates to the track and the installation of our temporary courts before they welcome an electric atmosphere. The track at Scotstoun Stadium is gift to the city and will become a much-loved community asset.”
On behalf of Chair Ian Reid CBE and the Board, we are delighted to announce Joanne Deponio, Rob Shorthouse and Professor Gayle McPherson will join the Commonwealth Games Scotland Board as Non-Executive Directors for the 2025–2027 term.
Joanne Deponio has been appointed as Director for Governance. She is currently Director of Host Relations for the delivery company for UEFA EURO 2028, having played a leading role in the tournament from the bid stage onwards. In her current role, she provides senior leadership to the company, its Board and partners on strategic and operational governance, including compliance with the Code for Sport Governance. Joanne was responsible for establishing the governance structures for UK&I 2028 Ltd, the new company created to deliver the tournament across the UK and Ireland. This includes setting up delivery structures and ensuring integration with partner governance frameworks.
Joanne brings over 25 years’ experience in strategic planning, risk management and programme management for major events, including multi-sport Games. Her previous roles include management positions with EventScotland, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Glasgow Life. She played key roles in delivering the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 European Championships and chaired the Finance and Risk Committee for the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships.
Rob Shorthouse has been appointed as Director for Public Relations and Communications. He is currently Strategy and Communications Director for the English Schools Foundation, one of the largest school groups in Asia. Earlier in his career, he played a leading role in Glasgow’s successful bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He has held senior communications, strategy and consulting roles across the UK, Hong Kong and the Middle East, with a background in government and political campaigns. As Managing Director at Teneo Strategy, he provided strategic counsel to a high-profile government account in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, as Partner and Head of Asia-Pacific at Consulum, he led the successful ‘Relaunch Hong Kong’ campaign.
Rob has also served as Client and Communications Director for the ScotRail Alliance and was Director of Communications for the ‘Better Together’ campaign during the Scottish Independence Referendum. He has advised the Scottish First Minister, worked in the UK Prime Minister’s media team and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and held senior communications roles with Strathclyde Police and the Scottish Football Association.
Professor Gayle McPherson has been appointed as Director for Community Engagement and Legacy. She is Professor of Events and Cultural Policy at the University of the West of Scotland, where she is Director of the Research Centre for Culture, Sport and Events, which she established in 2018. She was a past member of the Board of Creative Scotland and served as Legacy and Cultural Adviser to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid. She is currently a member of the European Cultural Parliament and the British Council of Scotland Advisory Group.
Gayle’s international research background spans the legacy of events, cultural policy, sport and disability, public value, public policy and cultural diplomacy. She has acted as an advisor to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Scottish and UK Governments, local authorities and national and international sport organisations including Scottish Disability Sport and IPC Canada. Her work has focused on embedding community engagement at the heart of Games, events and festivals. She is currently setting up a research legacy network to inform Commonwealth Games policy and the social impact of Glasgow 2026. She recently completed an evaluation of equality, diversity and inclusion in festivals and events, producing a playbook that has been adopted by VisitScotland and Glasgow City Council, and a toolkit to maximise the social value of community events. She led a research team at the Glasgow 2014 Games, investigating the impact and legacy of the Games on volunteers and attitudes to disability. In 2024, with support from Spirit of 2012, she produced new research on the impact of Glasgow 2014, 10 years on.
On Thursday 26 June, Paul Bush OBE, past Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling for his outstanding contribution to sport and to the events industry in the country.
Paul led Commonwealth Games Scotland through two highly successful Games cycles in his eight-year tenure as Chair, with Team Scotland’s most successful overseas Games to date at Gold Coast 2018 and best ever Games outside Scotland at Birmingham 2022. He recently retired from his role as Director of Events for VisitScotland where he played a vital role in bringing major spectacles including the 2018 European Championships, the Ryder Cup and UEFA Euro 2020 to Scotland.
Jon Doig OBE, Chief Executive at Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “’We congratulate Paul on this recognition for his contribution to sport and beyond. He has made a such an impact across many different sectors and this acknowledgement of his achievements is richly deserved.”
Also receiving honorary degrees during Summer Graduation were former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid and dedicated volunteer Lynda Morrison.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Summer graduation is always a special highlight in the university calendar, and we are delighted that those celebrating are joined by four inspiring role models.
“Each of our honorary graduands has made a lasting impact in their fields, contributing in powerful and enduring ways to society. We are proud to recognise their achievements and know that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the University.”
Jen Barsby and Nigel Holl have been re-appointed to the Commonwealth Games Scotland Board of Directors following a members vote at the 2025 AGM on the evening of Monday 2nd June.
Jen was elected to the CGS Board in 2017 and is currently the Board lead for Equality. She joined Scottish Disability Sport as Opportunities and Equality Manager in July 2013, a role she held until 2022 when she took on the role of Performance Development Manager. Through both roles she has gained a wealth of experience in Para Sport, Safeguarding and Equality as well as experience improving governance across SDS member branches.
Jen is on the Boccia UK Board and has also served on the board of the Team Scotland Youth Trust. She was the General Team Manager for Accommodation and Village for Team Scotland at the Gold Coast 2018 Games. Previously she was an Active Schools Co-ordinator and a Disability Development Officer.
Nigel starts a second term on the CGS Board, having first been elected in May 2021. He currently leads the Board Sub-Committee for Selection, with policies across all sports being finalised for Glasgow 2026.
Nigel has a wealth of experience at executive leadership, board governance and performance director level in Scottish and UK sport. He is the Executive Performance Director for British Curling, and also serves on the Scottish Cycling Board of Directors. He was appointed to the Board of UK Sports Institute as their performance specialist in December 2023.
We would like to extend our congratulations to Jennifer and Nigel, and our thanks to the other nominees who stood for election.
We would also like to thank Katie Sadleir CNZM, CEO at Commonwealth Sport and Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer at Glasgow 2026 for their informative presentations and engagement with our member sports.