Topical Question: Is it worth hosting a slimmed-down Commonwealth Games?

Steven Bonnar
SNP MSP, Uddingston and Bellshill

Yes, hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is worth it, but only if we measure success by more than medals and TV rights. Sport should be about participation, health and wellbeing, and positive social impacts, just as much as podium finishes.

If money were no object? I’d add haggis chucking, partly for national pride, partly because I’d be brilliant at it. I’d also include sports that better reflect modern Scotland, particularly activities with lower barriers to entry and stronger community reach. Think para sport, women’s sport, and grassroots programmes that bring together people across class, race, age, and ability. If public money is involved, the real gold medal is inclusion.

Yi-pei Chou Turvey
Lib Dem MSP, North East Scotland Region

A Commonwealth Games that leaves more Scots healthier, connected, and represented would be a win long after the closing ceremony. Anything that encourages people to be active is welcome, and despite being a smaller event, I’m sure Glasgow 2026 will be successful in doing that and in shining the international spotlight on Scotland. If I could include another sport, it would be dance. We’ve had Olympic breakdance, ice-dancing and rhythmic gymnastics – so why not Scottish country dancing and Highland dancing at the Commonwealth Games?  They certainly require concentration and agility.Traditional dancing is hugely popular in the north east with clubs and classes bringing people together every week, not to mention the existing competitive element of Highland dance which is busy at the moment with the calendar of Highland Games. Country dancing isn’t just for school dances and weddings so why not get it on the world stage and get more people involved? There’s a big social element to it, all which is great for communities and good for mental health.

Jackie Baillie
Scottish Labour MSP, Dumbarton

I believe it’s right to go ahead with a slimmed-down version of the games. I think naysayers will be proven wrong quickly once Glasgow comes together again to put on an incredible show. The more modest ambitions for the number of sports doesn’t extend to the athletes, who will still be giving their all to break records and entertain the crowd.

Scotland should absolutely be aiming to host more major sporting events – Scottish Labour argued in their manifesto for a Major Events Bureau to attract global sporting events to the country.

These games should be a launching pad to encourage more young people to participate in sport, get involved in their local clubs and enjoy the many community and health benefits. As to which new sport should be included, I would suggest making door knocking a competitive sport, because I think I’d be in with a shot to win gold.

Brian Leishman
Scottish Labour MP, Alloa and Grangemouth

As an ex-professional sportsperson for over 20 years, I was incredibly lucky to have met many great people through sport, some of whom became lifelong friends. 
Sport can change people’s lives. Whether that be through elite ability (which certainly didn’t apply to me) or through exercise that keeps you fit, companionship that gets people out the house and creates relationships or even as a bridge between communities that brings understanding, tolerance and respect of each other.  

Glasgow again being the host city of the Commonwealth Games brings a huge opportunity for a positive legacy for communities across Scotland.  

People inspired to take up a new sport and join local clubs is only ever great news.  
From a constituency point of view, I hope there will be a new generation of young people who are encouraged to use the fantastic Grangemouth Sports Stadium, the home of Scottish athletics. 

I would love to see handball in the Games. Lots of action, high speed and lots of goals. And played indoors so wouldn’t be victim to the Scottish weather.

Andrew Baxter
Lib Dem MSP, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch

In 2014, I attended the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games with friends in Glasgow. It was a fantastic celebration of sporting ties from around the world. And a showcase not just for Glasgow but Scotland as well. Who would have thought that giant Tunnocks Teacakes at Celtic Park would be beamed to a TV audience around the world. Even with a slimmed-down event, this will be another Games demonstrating that Scotland welcomes the world with enthusiasm. 

Alex Cole-Hamilton laughs every time my mobile rings near him. The ring-tone is the theme tune to Test Match Special. If money was no object cricket should be in. Even though it’s popular in many Commonwealth countries, I’m not sure everyone is ready for five days of play that can end in a draw. So, maybe the bang and crash of T20 would appeal to a wider audience.

Clare Adamson
SNP MSP, Motherwell and Wishaw

A slimmed-down Commonwealth Games is far better than no Commonwealth Games at all.
Glasgow has already shown it can host major sporting events successfully, and bringing athletes, visitors and global attention back to the city offers benefits that go well beyond the medal table.
Sport inspires participation, supports local businesses and gives communities something positive to rally around. In an era of tight public finances, a more focused model may actually be the best way to ensure the Games remain sustainable for future generations.

If money were no object, however, I would love to see rugby sevens included. It is one of the most exciting formats in world sport – fast, skillful and brilliantly entertaining. The women’s game in particular has flourished in recent years and showcases some outstanding athletes. Rugby sevens is also uniquely Commonwealth, connecting countries across both the northern and southern hemispheres and bringing together nations with a genuine shared sporting passion. It would be a fantastic addition to any Games programme.

Victor Currie
Reform UK MSP, Highlands and Islands

Glasgow’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is a fantastic milestone. It will showcase our vibrant city to the world, bringing people of all backgrounds together to enjoy healthy competition.

Regarding the refined, ten-sport format, I absolutely think it’s worth it. Having such a prestigious global event right here in Scotland proves to our communities – especially our youth – that world-class spectacles are not distant, faraway things. It is a golden opportunity to inspire Scotland’s next generation of champions, boosting sporting interest and mass participation for people of all ages.

If money were no object, I’d take the opportunity to add a few new sports such as padel, skateboarding and surfing. Like the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games have continually updated over the decades and there’s no reason that evolution should stop. But if I had to pick one event that combines strategy, patience, stamina and leverages our unique national character... I’d have to say competitive queuing.

Patricia Ferguson
Scottish Labour MP, Glasgow West

Glasgow is now set to become one of only three cities to have hosted the Commonwealth Games more than once. The 2026 model is more sustainable than previous games and a model for the future. The Commonwealth Games are about more than just the individual sports taking place, they are about encouraging everyone to get involved in sport, increasing physical activity and about bringing people from across the Commonwealth together. But the Games are also about the community festival that will take place across Glasgow. They are also a great event to watch and a real showcase for Glasgow and Scotland. If money were no object, I would include rugby sevens in the line-up as we have lots of strong rugby nations in the Commonwealth.