Commonwealth mascot snub row

Cumbernauld Primary hit the headlines when Primary 7 pupil Beth Gilmour designed the cheeky Thistle mascot two years ago. At that time a few pupils got to meet her creation but hopes the whole school could meet the mascot on a return visit were dashed when they learned they can only expect a visit if the school wins a competition.

Parent Tom Fisher, a Glen Clova Drive resident whose son Ben is in Primary 6, has tried to persuade Glasgow’s 2014 organising committee to change their mind.

He said: “I am disappointed that a visit cannot be scheduled. I know that Clyde visited Kildrum Primary recently. I feel this is a slight on Cumbernauld Primary and the children will be very disappointed.”

Mr Fisher has even approached MSP Jamie Hepburn who also liaised with games organisers to no avail.

Mr Hepburn said “Cumbernauld Primary is rightly proud that one of their former pupils designed the Commonwealth Games mascot, and I think it would be a nice touch if the organisers were to send Clyde back to the school.”

A Glasgow 2014 spokesperson said: “As excitement for the Games builds around Scotland, the demand for Clyde the Official Glasgow 2014 mascot increases and with it the volume of requests for him to visit schools, sports events and other community-based activities across the country.

“Schools wishing to engage with Clyde can do so through Game On Scotland, the education programme for Glasgow 2014 delivered by Education Scotland and Games Partners as well as through the Active Schools network.

“Cumbernauld Primary, along with thousands of schools throughout Scotland, is actively engaged with the Game On Scotland programme. In addition, Cumbernauld Primary School pupils were among the first young people in Scotland to meet Clyde as invited guests at his first public appearance last September.”