Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Free family-friendly Live Site offers sporting opportunities

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Children, young people and families can enjoy free activities, sport and live screenings of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games events at the Game On Live Site this summer.

Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park will be transformed for 11 days to allow families and fans to gather to watch the Games on giant screens, while getting the chance to try a diverse range of physical activities – inspired by the Summer of Sport.

The Game On Live Site, which is backed by £1 million from Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport programme and supported by funding from Commonwealth Sport, will be open from 23 July to 2 August, with over 12 hours of daily coverage of the Games shown on three large screens.

While the world-class sporting action of Glasgow 2026 unfolds across the city, children, young people and visiting fans will have the chance to take part in a range of sporting and cultural activities split across seven areas of Kelvingrove Park, including:

sport and physical activities
mass-participation events
creative activities, play and games
live performances.

The Glasgow 2026 Game On Live Site, funded by the Scottish Government, Government, sportscotland, and Commonwealth Sport, is part of the Scottish Government’s wider £20 million Summer of Sport campaign.

It will fund opportunities designed to make sport more accessible across all 32 local authority areas drawing inspiration from the Games and the Scotland men’s team’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “It’s ‘Game On’ for Glasgow and Scotland. This Live Site will help showcase the very best the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has to offer, while bringing families of all backgrounds together to get active and stay active.

“We want the legacy of the Summer of Sport – the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Glasgow 2026 and the women’s hockey and cricket team world cup campaigns – to stretch far beyond the next few months.

“As part of our wider £40 million additional funding for the 2026-27 sport budget, our £20 million Summer of Sport funding can be truly transformational and will offer sporting opportunities across the length and breadth of Scotland. This is about ensuring that every child who attends a session still has the option to stay active in a year’s time and throughout their life.

“If we get it right, the impact it will be felt long after this summer and will help to improve health and wellbeing, tackle inequality, strengthen communities and make sport accessible to all.”

Glasgow 2026 Chair, George Black CBE said: “As we welcome athletes and visitors from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow, the Live Site is the perfect way for everyone to soak up the atmosphere of the Games. It’s free, it’s family-friendly and it’s right at the heart of the city in Kelvingrove Park.

“Whether you come to try a new sport or simply cheer on the action on the big screens, this is your chance to get involved and be part of an unforgettable summer of sport.”

Forbes Dunlop, sportscotland CEO said: “At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by £20 million of Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.

“While sportscotland is not investing in the core costs of delivery of the Games, we are committed to ensuring that Scotland’s sporting system feels the benefits of this major international event and the live site will be an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate.

“We are working with the team at Glasgow 2026 and are proud to play our part together in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”

Leader of Glasgow City Council Councillor Susan Aitken said: “The launch of Game On in Kelvingrove is a fantastic opportunity for Glaswegians and visitors to come together and share in the excitement of the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Kelvingrove Park is one of the city’s most-loved outdoor spaces and is the perfect venue to catch the sporting action, take part in fun activities and soak up in the atmosphere, for free, in the city.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport Martin Reynolds said: “Commonwealth Sport is proud to help fund the Game On Live Site at Kelvingrove Park.

“As a celebration of our 74 nations and territories, the Commonwealth Games have a unique ability to bring people together and this Live Site will help Glaswegians and visitors alike come together to enjoy the sport, soak up the atmosphere and share in the Games experience.”

Spartans: Football for grownups!

Feeling inspired by the World Cup? Or just fed up that the kids get all the fun?

Brand new for summer 2026

Our coaches are running informal tournaments for the grown ups in July and August. Everyone welcome (as long as you’re over 18) no matter your ability.

More details in the flyer

#Hereforgood

ScottishPower kicks off bonus half-price electricity hours for vital World Cup clashes

ScottishPower is giving its customers the chance of a vital World Cup assist by cutting the cost of their match‑day parties with half‑price electricity for its customers across the UK.

With football fans gathering late into the night in living rooms across the country as Scotland and England go for glory, ScottishPower will kick-off discounted match day bonus hours covering all planned group matches for both nations.

It means ScottishPower customers can focus on the football, not the bills, as they power TVs, sound systems, kitchen appliances and even their party lights for 50% less during the tournament.

The limited-time offer is designed to help customers make the most of the event while keeping energy costs down, with two hours at 50% off per game – so every Scotland and England group match is covered and feels like a win-win.

The bonus hours boost comes in addition to ScottishPower’s existing Power Saver scheme which already sees its customers benefit from being able to choose eight hours of electricity at half price every week, at a time that suits their lifestyle best.

As a business that also generates and distributes power to millions of homes across the country, ScottishPower is preparing for the biggest overnight electricity demand event in its history.

Opening fixtures are already forecast to create an unprecedented overnight surge in electricity demand — during what is normally one of the quietest periods for the network.

Andrew Ward, ScottishPower Customer Business CEO, said: “We know football brings people together and with this offer, customers can enjoy every kick, tackle and goal knowing they’re getting great value at the same time.

“We are continually striving to put our customers in control, and this is a great boost to give them more ways to score even more savings.”

Existing ScottishPower customers will soon be able to opt into the Power Saver World Cup bonus hours initiative, and new customers joining the leading green energy company will be eligible to opt in too.

Key matches included in the offer are (UK kick-off times):

Scotland group games:

Scotland v Haiti – Sunday 14 June, 2:00am (discounted period 0200-0400)
Scotland v Morocco – Friday 19 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)
Scotland v Brazil – Wednesday 24 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)

England group games:

England v Croatia – Wednesday 17 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
England v Ghana – Tuesday 23 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
England v Panama – Saturday 27 June, 10:00pm (discounted period 2200-0000)

The World Cup deal adds an extra assist to ScottishPower’s existing line-up of customer perks, including Power Saver, which offers customers 8 hours of cheaper electricity at selected times throughout the week.

Power Saver aims to incentivise customers to shift their electricity use away from peak periods to times when overall demand on the grid is lower, helping to balance energy supply more efficiently. By moving usage to off-peak hours, customers can benefit from cost savings while supporting a more stable and sustainable energy system.

ScottishPower is the only energy provider giving customers control over when they benefit from discounted periods.

To take advantage of the special Power Saver World Cup Bonus Offer, you need to be a ScottishPower electricity customer with a communicating smart meter and consent to half-hourly readings being automatically shared.

Customers should download the SP app and switch on notifications to receive alerts ahead of the World Cup kicking off to opt in for their two hours 50% discount covering Scotland and England matches.

Usage savings will appear as ‘Power Saver Credit’ on a customer’s bill or statement in line with normal billing process. Daily standing charge will be charged at normal rates. Eligibility criteria, exclusions, and T&Cs apply.

For more information and how to sign up, visit Half-Price Electricity during Scotland and England group games

Lord Provost congratulates Hearts Women on historic title win

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge has offered his congratulations to Hearts Women following their SWPL title win on Sunday (24 May).

The City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I want to offer my warmest congratulations to Hearts Women on becoming SWPL Champions.

“To win the league title for the first time in their history is a remarkable accomplishment, marking a dramatic rise from amateur football to league champions in just a few years.

“After the disappointment of the previous weekend, I’m sure this will have been just the tonic for everyone at the club and their fans.

“Just as importantly, it represents the continued growth and strength of women’s football across Edinburgh, and I have no doubt these Hearts players will inspire generations of girls and young women looking to get involved in football, or any sport.

“I look forward to welcoming the team to the City Chambers for a Civic Reception to celebrate this wonderful achievement.“

Celtic’s title victory: The Last Word?

SCOTTISH FA STATEMENT (issued yesterday):

We note the contents of Heart of Midlothian’s statement yesterday and accompanying letter signed by the club Chair, Calum Paterson. In the interests of transparency, we are happy to set out the facts.

Regarding references to a ‘premature ending of the match’, the Scottish FA’s Chief Governance Officer, Gary Booth, the Head of Refereeing, William Collum, and VAR Manager Martin Atkinson reviewed the audio-visual footage of the period in question on Monday at the club’s request, with Mr Paterson in attendance.

While it was the agreed intention for this meeting to be conducted privately, recent statements have compelled us to consider the public interest in providing clarification and chronology.

To that end, we are happy to publish the relevant audio-visual footage:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XIIWKE-g4IU%3Fsi%3DHLYks3knLWr_Rmqc

It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game.

We note there has been speculation regarding the blowing of a final whistle. The Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match, but do not prescribe the method of that signal.

In the context of what unfolded – which is verified by the footage and the Match Incident Report submitted to the Scottish FA – the match official clearly communicated that the match was ended and not abandoned.

In addition, the match clock does not stop when a goal is scored. The footage shows that when the match official confirms the game has ended, the clock is at 53.07 [98.07], more than the minimum additional time of eight minutes signalled.

It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.

For the avoidance of doubt, Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game state that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’.

We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.

The Scottish FA was responding to Wednesday’s statement from Hearts, who requested a prompt response:

Heart of Midlothian Football Club would once again like to thank our incredible supporters for their magnificent backing throughout this season, and to provide an update in relation to the events which unfolded at Celtic Park on Saturday.

As previously noted, the Club is investigating events before, during and after the match, and will offer Police Scotland our full support as they continue with their enquiries.

We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match, rather than the match officials. We have asked them for a prompt response to the points we have raised.

The incursion of spectators onto the field of play must never be condoned under any circumstances, and the seriousness of the potential consequences must be fully understood by supporters and clubs alike.

We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation.

Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved.

This has been an excellent season for Heart of Midlothian. However, it represents only the very beginning of our plans for long-term sustained success. We look ahead to next season with confidence, supported as ever by the exceptional backing of our fans, sponsors and partners.

SO WE THINK IT’S ALL OVER? I DOUBT IT! – Ed

SPFL Statement on Celtic vs Hearts league title decider

THE SPFL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

“Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.

“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.

“Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for. The eyes of the world were on Glasgow and the climax of the William Hill Premiership, with millions of viewers watching the match on Sky Sports and across the globe.

“However, we utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play. We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.

We note that entering the pitch in England and Wales has been a criminal offence since 1991.

“We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”

Two officers seriously injured and 14 arrests made following disorder in Glasgow

Fourteen people were arrested in Glasgow during and after Celtic’s Premiership title win on Saturday, 16 May, 2026.

Four arrests were made at Parkhead stadium during the match and 10 in the Trongate area of the city. They relate to a number of offences including mobbing and rioting, resisting arrest, police assault and possession of offensive weapons. Officers also seized pyrotechnics and alcohol at both locations.

During the violence that followed, two officers were seriously injured and three members of the public required hospital treatment.

Significant work remains ongoing around the disorder and officers will be reviewing CCTV and capturing statements to identify those responsible.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “The large majority of people at the Trongate yesterday were in a celebratory mood and simply wanted to support the victory of their team.

“However, we once again saw significant disorder and anti-social behaviour when police responded to a medical emergency within the crowd. A man was found unresponsive after taking unwell and continues to receive treatment in hospital. While dealing with this, our officers came under sustained attack from missiles and bottles, which resulted in two of them being seriously injured.

“I cannot condemn this behaviour strongly enough. It is completely unacceptable.

“Our officers must be kept safe when doing their job. They acted bravely, courageously and with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the event. They took decisive action, which was entirely appropriate, to clear those intent on violence and disorder, and make arrests.

“The minority of individuals involved will face the most robust action from Police Scotland and partners as we move forward. If you were involved in criminality, expect us to be knocking at your door.

“Once again, Police Scotland has been left holding the responsibility and accountability for supporters away from the stadium at the Trongate.

“We have strong and positive relationships with Celtic Football Club and Glasgow City Council on a day-to-day basis to keep people safe, but on this particular issue more must be done.

“Celtic FC and football authorities, working with local authorities and Police Scotland, must take greater responsibility. This cannot happen again at any future celebrations.”

We are also carrying out enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from Parkhead stadium in Glasgow following the pitch invasion and disorder that followed. We continue to engage with Hearts of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality from Parkhead or around the Trongate area to upload it using the online form here:

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X10-PO1

Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Gristaline. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

Four further arrests were also made in the vicinity of Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, 16 May, 2026 in connection with breach of the peace, and assault and robbery offences.

QR code alternative for the MIPP.

The Desperation Olympics?

GOVERNMENT GIMMICK TO SHARE UP SUPPORT IN NORTH OF ENGLAND?

First Olympics in the North of England in government’s sights alongside stadium regeneration push
Initial strategic assessment commissioned into potential bid for Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s
Assessment will test if hosting could deliver transformational regeneration and growth in the North
Towns and cities across England also set to benefit from sports infrastructure accelerator programme, to remove barriers to major sports led regeneration
By-election looming in Greater Manchester – just a coincidence?

The Labour government has commissioned its expert arm’s-length body UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment examining whether the UK could host an Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England during the 2040s, as part of an ambitious growth drive to use sports to power regeneration of towns and cities.

Initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games for the first time since London 2012 will assess key factors such as potential cost, socioeconomic benefit and any bid’s chance of success.

The Government ‘firmly sees major sporting events and sporting facilities as playing a key role in driving economic growth, regeneration, improving pride in place, and bolstering the UK’s global appeal’.

Culture Secretary (and coincidentally North of England MP) Lisa Nandy said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.

“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.

The Government has also announced a wave of new work to use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration and economic growth. This includes:

A Stadium Regeneration Accelerator:In a further growth boost for towns and cities across England, a new cross-government programme will work with sporting bodies on priority sports infrastructure development projects – such as stadiums – that can help deliver local regeneration and commercial growth. Funding will not be used for the regeneration of these stadiums but the government will work with sports clubs and leagues to unlock opportunities for large-scale housing delivery, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvement and community sports facilities. DCMS will work alongside the Office for Investment (OfI) HM Treasury and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government with sports bodies such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the WSL Football. Together they will identify, and unblock, barriers to development at both a national and local level – and will include projects across the sports sector. The OfI will act as the front door for potential investors to be involved in the programme. Planned projects across England include proposals in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and London that have the potential to regenerate their surrounding areas. The government will also look at how we can learn lessons and share best practice with counterparts from Europe and further afield.
A new Sporting Events Bill:Introduced to Parliament on Thursday, the new Bill will make it easier to bid for, secure and deliver major sporting events in future, including UEFA EURO 2028. It will also make the unauthorised resale of tickets for designated major events a criminal offence, ensuring more tickets reach real fans at face value rather than being snapped up by touts and resold.
UK Government Strategy for Major Events:The government will set out its plans to support and provide leadership to the nation’s wider major events sector, by delivering a cross-sector strategy within the coming year. The strategy will cover major events in all sectors – cultural, sporting and business – and will ensure that major events continue to drive economic growth, enhance the UK’s soft power across the globe, and strengthen social cohesion in our towns and cities. This will build on the UK’s outstanding track record — from the 80th commemorations of VE day and the billions of pounds generated every year from hosting business events, to the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup last year.
A Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events:The government has also appointed Lord McConnell as a Ministerial Adviser on Soft Power and Major Events. Lord McConnell, who was central to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014, will support the government’s ambition to cement the UK’s position as the go-to destination for the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events, drawing on his experience in international affairs, public policy and supporting the delivery of major events.

The UK has a ‘phenomenal pipeline’ of major sporting events to look forward to.

This summer alone brings the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grands Départs will be the most accessible major sporting event ever held in Great Britain.

UEFA EURO 2028 is forecast to generate £3.2 billion in socioeconomic benefits – creating jobs, driving regional growth, and drawing a surge of international visitors to communities the length and breadth of the country.

The Government is already backing bids to host the World Athletics and Para-Athletics Championships in 2029, as well as the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as part of its commitment to driving a decade of change in women’s sport.

Alongside more than £500 million invested into the delivery of major sporting events, the Government is making a serious and sustained commitment to grassroots sport. At least £400 million is being invested in community facilities across the country, ensuring that the legacy of every major event is felt far and wide.

Chair of The Great North, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “From our great cities and towns to our coastlines and countryside, the North has the venues, the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games that showcases the very best of Great Britain to the world.

“A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England. This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted: inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action.”

No quote from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, though. Funny that!

Foundation of Hearts: Statement

All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.

We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing.

We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.

At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.

We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.

Gerry Mallon

Chairman, Foundation of Hearts

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New sessions start July/August 2026

Hibs: A Tribute to Absent Friends

SATURDAY 16th MAY

Hibernian supporters are invited to submit tributes to friends and family who have sadly passed away ahead of our final home game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday 16 May at Easter Road.

An annual tradition, messages and photographs from supporters will be displayed on the stadium screens before kick-off, allowing fans to remember fellow Hibees who are no longer with us and have passed away in the last year.

Tributes should include the person’s name, a message of no more than 150 letters (including spaces), and one photograph. To be included, please complete the form below by midday on Wednesday 6 May.

Submit a tribute here

Supporters attending the match are encouraged to be inside the stadium around 30 minutes before kick-off to view the tributes.

If you have any questions or issues with your submission, please get in touch with us at marketing@hibernianfc.co.uk