24/04/2008 06:48:00
It has been revealed that John Scott has been appointed as chief executive of the organising company for Glasgow's Commonwealth Games in 2014.
According to the BBC, he will take on his new position on August 4 - leaving his current role as international director and director of drug-free sport at UK Sport. Mr Scott will bring over 30 year of experience to the role, including working in an advisory capacity for the 1994 Victoria State and 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
He also acted as an advisory to the UK government concerning the feasibility of London bidding for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Mr Scott will replace Derek Casey, who had occupied the post on an interim basis, and described the position as "the most exciting opportunity of my career". He also said:
"I'm determined that in 2014 the thousands of athletes, officials, spectators and those watching at home will experience the best Commonwealth Games ever staged."
"Through these Games, the whole Commonwealth will see what an amazing place Scotland is.
"With world-class facilities and venues, world-class competition and a fantastic cultural offering, we also want to showcase the very best of the city of Glasgow."
The Herald reported that Mr Scott is also determined to keep the games within the budget of £375m, which includes public investment of £298m, and dismissed comparisons with the burgeoning costs for London's 2012 games.
The Commonwealth Games, taking part over an 11 day period, will bring more than 6,000 athletes and officials from around the world to Glasgow.