Olympic fever is taking over Glasgow ahead of Bearsden-born Katherine Grainger’s performance in the women’s double sculls final.

If the London 2012 gold medallist clinches first place in Thursday's final, she will become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian.

Katherine, 40, and her rowing partner, Victoria Thorney, came second in the semi-finals earlier in the week after a difficult journey to Rio.

Team GB supporters across the city are backing the rower who first discovered her competitive streak as a student at Bearsden Academy.

Bearsden Academy pupils and staff alike are all supporting Katherine's journey, according to Annette MacKay, depute head teacher.

Annette said: "She was first inspired by one of our former art teachers, Ken Davis, who taught her judo which really got her going in the sporting world.

"We're extremely proud of her because she's worked extremely hard and is such an inspirational to all of us.

"We absolutely wish her all the best. It's great that she's got to the final because her and her teammates have had a tough year, so we can't wait to see how she does."

Members of the public are invited to watch the race at the official Team GB Official FanZone in Merchant Square, which opened on Monday.

The big screen will be showing all the action from the competition in a bid to recapture the spirit of London 2012 with deck chairs and bean bags to accommodate fans.

Jenni Morrison, events manager, said: “We are expecting a good turnout for Katherine Grainger's final and hope she can become Team GB's most decorated Olympian. We want to wish her all the very best of luck."

Despite her family moving to Edinburgh, Katherine maintains a close relationship with her hometown of Bearsden and has visited numerous time to speak to students and take part in the Olympic torch relay.

Provost of East Dunbartonshire, Una Walker, said: “Congratulations to Katherine on reaching the Olympic double sculls final - her continued success at the peak of her sport is a genuine inspiration.

"I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone in East Dunbartonshire when I wish Katherine and her team-mates all the very best in Rio.

"She has motivated - and I'm sure will continue to motivate - people of all ages to pursue their sporting dreams - from those who exercise for fitness and fun to competitors at the very highest level.”

"We will join the millions watching Katherine as she aims to become GB's most-decorated female Olympian on Thursday."

Throughout her career, the Scot has been named Honorary President of the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association and is a member of Edinburgh rowing club St Andrew Boat Club, Marlow Rowing Club and is an honorary life member of Aberdeen Boat Club.

Mike Morrice, President of Scottish Rowing, believes that it is a big ask for Katherine to go for gold but with the main competition New Zealand and Australia not making the final, anything can happen.

He said: "We would never have thought they were even going to medal but the way things have gone now they are in Rio, they are just getting better in each race.

"There will be a lot of people at Edinburgh University and St Andrew Boat Club behind her. They have got very good junior squads, with a lot of junior women, who class Katherine as their role model so she has got a lot of support."