Community gears up for the Commonwealth Games

Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde visited Bishopbriggs Acadmey today to promote the "Sport your trainers day". Today was also Commonwealth day. It is now under 500 days until Glasgow host the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Pictured with Clyde are S1 and S2 pupils.

Scores of world-class cyclists will hit the road for the Commonwealth Games’ road time trials at the end of July when the route will pass through the villages.

And the local community will have a major part to play.

While plans are still being developed, and the route has yet to be finalised, officials from North Lanarkshire Council met with local councillors, community council representatives and other groups to outline some of the opportunities the Glasgow games present.

The meeting, at the Masonic Hall in Muirhead, was attended by around 30 people representing groups in the area.

Councillor John McLaren said: “This promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for the villages.

“While we recognise life will be business as usual for some people, it is a tremendous opportunity for Muirhead and Chryston to come together on an international stage.

“Everyone wants the villages to be looking their best on the day and ensure there is plenty for local residents and visitors to do.

Muirhead and Chryston people will have the chance to see some of the world’s top road triallists in action and out to beat the clock along a road we know well.

“It promises to be a spectacular event.”

The 2014 Comonwealth Games start on July 23 and finish on August 3.