The first representatives of Team Scotland were officially welcomed to the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village today as they settled into the place they will call home for the next few weeks.

Each team from the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth is welcomed to the Village in a special ceremony led by the Village Chieftain.

The ceremony included a welcome by Chieftain and Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, an exchange of gifts by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty on behalf of the people of Glasgow and a performance of dance and theatre by the National Youth Theatre. The Scotland team flag was raised and the Scottish anthem Flower of Scotland played.

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:”Team Welcome ceremonies are a key moment for athletes, team officials and guests, marking the end of their journey to the Games and the start of their residency in the village.

“It is fitting that as the home nation, we are one of the first Teams starting to take up residency and to raise our flag in the Athletes’ Village.”

Following today’s official welcome, Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison MSP, and Jon Doig, Chef de Mission of Team Scotland, officially opened Team Scotland’s residence in the village, appropriately named Scotland Street by the athletes.

Jon Doig, Chef de Mission of Team Scotland, said: “When a group of our athletes saw their residence for the first time this week they said quite spontaneously that they loved Scotland Street.

“Scotland Street is a great tribute to our management team who have turned our housing blocks into an inspiring area which will be home for the athletes in the weeks ahead.

“Following a successful team camp, we are all set up to greet our athletes who will arrive over the next few days. They are all really excited about being in the Games and this is the ideal environment for them to make their final preparations.”

Cabinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, said: “As we welcome Team Scotland into their home from home for the next few weeks, the Commonwealth Games now feel all the more real. The athletes’ memories of their stay here, the people they will meet from across the world and of being involved in the best Commonwealth Games ever, will last long after the Games have finished.

“Beyond the Games, The Athletes Village will help bring lasting change in the East End of Glasgow demonstrating the legacy of the Games for local communities. The village looks great, the athletes are set and Scotland is ready to cheer them on to success.”