Dramatic imagery from some of Scotland’s most famous views took on a quirky ONE-off look to celebrate today’s (Tuesday July 23) historic ‘One Year to Go’ milestone for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

From the bleak beauty of Glen Etive (which provided the memorable backdrop to the last Bond movie, Skyfall) to the breathtaking elegance of the Edinburgh skyline, the message that Glasgow and Scotland are counting down to the biggest sporting occasion in the nation’s history was writ large in the landscape – with a 16ft inflatable number one.

A series of nine portraits were commissioned by Glasgow 2014, each capturing a different aspect of the home nation for next summer’s Commonwealth Games – from its natural beauty, historic landmarks, iconic sporting fields of play or its connections with the Games themselves.

The images will be shared across 71 nations and territories as Commonwealth Games Associations from Tuvalu to Tanzania to mark the date in exactly one year’s time on which a spectacular Opening Ceremony will officially launch the start of a great sporting occasion for 4,500 of the world’s top athletes.

In Glasgow today (July 23) the major milestone is set to be marked in celebratory style with a series of magical and fun moments involving top athletes, thousands of people across the city and the nation and led by Glasgow 2014 Ambassador and six-time Olympian and double Commonwealth Gold medal winner, Sir Chris Hoy.

Sir Chris is set to start the day by hosting a people’s bike challenge and a Breakfast of Champions in the middle of the city’s main shopping zone, Buchanan Street. Glasgow 2014’s cheeky mascot Clyde will also take to the streets to join dancers, musicians and street performers in showcasing how vibrant the city will feel at Games time.

At the heart of the day’s action will be the unveiling of the Glasgow 2014 Official Ticketing Guide – the route to up to one million seats at the heart of the Games live action, across 17 sports. The Ticketing Guide, featuring stunning athletic imagery from across the sports programme sets out full details of how everyone can be part of an accessible and affordable Commonwealth Games.

Ticket prices start at £15 for all sports, with half-price tickets for under-16s and over -60s. Two thirds of all sports tickets are £25 or under and there are no booking fees for any tickets. The ticket price also includes public transport in the local area on the day of the sports session.

Commenting on the milestone moment Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of Glasgow 2014, said: “Today marks an important moment in the journey towards the biggest sporting and cultural festival Glasgow and Scotland has ever hosted.

“With one year to go, the Organising Committee is making great strides towards our ultimate goal of delivering an outstanding Games for the athletes of the Commonwealth.

“I’m delighted to see how the city and the nation are getting set to welcome the world to enjoy our landscape, our friendship and truly great international sport.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland added: “Just as these wonderful images show off some of the most iconic parts of Scotland, athletes across the length and breadth of the country are training hard and competing to the best of their ability, to secure their place on Team Scotland and realise their dream of competing in a home Commonwealth Games.

“In exactly one year’s time Team Scotland’s athletes will be ready to go up against the best in the Commonwealth and make their mark at the biggest international sporting event to come to these shores. We urge the public to support them in their quest for success at Glasgow 2014.”