Scotland's economy boosted by Glasgow 2014

An official report into the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has revealed the event contributed more than £740m to Scotland’s economy.

It also said that over the eight years from winning the bid to host, the Games brought in £390m for Glasgow itself.

Between 2007 and 2014, the event supported an average 2,100 jobs each year.

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The report also found the Games brought significant investment in regeneration, particularly in the East End of Glasgow, Rutherglen and South Lanarkshire.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The 2014 Commonwealth Games was an unforgettable event and a resounding sporting success.

"Widely regarded as the best Games in their history, it was a chance for Glasgow and Scotland to show the world the very best that we have to offer.

"But as this evaluation report also shows, the Games were about far more than two weeks of great sport. The economic, cultural and regeneration benefits have been significant.

"More than 11,000 young people across Scotland have benefitted from Games related employability programmes. In excess of 20,000 opportunities to take part through volunteering were created – at the Games themselves, the Ceremonies, in Glasgow City at Games Time and through the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme.

"One in ten East End households in the GoWell East study reported employment gains from the Games.

"Along with our partners, we’ve always been determined to ensure that there is a lasting legacy to the Games that starts in the East End of Glasgow and stretches well beyond."

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Gordon Matheson, said Glasgow-based firms "reaped the rewards" by winning £423m of Games contracts.

He added: "The £50 million Glasgow Guarantee employment initiative has also helped around 6,000 young Glaswegians aged 16-24 years, veterans, over 50s, and graduates into employment, apprenticeships or training and we have recently expanded the scheme even further.

"Perhaps one the most visible examples of how Glasgow has benefited from the Games is one of the city’s newest neighbourhoods – the Athletes’ Village site in Dalmarnock. With housing, a care home, community hub and nursery and a new school planned, not to mention improved transport links and recreational facilities.

"However, the legacy of the Games is not just about the East End, and indeed not just about one year on. We have continued the momentum that the Games started and have legacy plans in place until at least 2019."