A fascinating exhibition in Glasgow will look back at Scotland's history in the Commonwealth Games.
As the city gets ready to host the 23rd edition of the Games, sports history experts are shining a spotlight on the nation's rich and longstanding association with the event, tracing a story that stretches back almost a century.
The exhibition at Team Scotland House will include 10 items from a collection which features photographs dating back to the first Commonwealth Games, then known as the British Empire Games, in the 1930s to the eye-catching costumes worn by a troupe of dancing Tunnock's Teacakes at the 2014 opening ceremony.
READ NEXT:
- New mile-long installation opens in Glasgow ahead of commonwealth games
- MAFS star heads to Glasgow after securing Commonwealth Games weightlifting spot
- Glasgow bowling club to dress as Egyptians and Romans for Commonwealth Games
The artefacts form part of the Commonwealth Games Scotland Archive, which is permanently housed at the University of Stirling, and contains almost 100 years of sporting heritage, including administrative records, photographs and memorabilia.
As part of a partnership with Team Scotland, university archivist Karl Magee and Richard Haynes, professor of Media Sport, will showcase the archive at The Corinthian Club, which will be the home of Scotland's national team during the Games.
They will also hold two free public talks, called A History of Team Scotland in 10 Items, on July 22 and July 26.
Karl said: “The 2026 Games gives us an opportunity to tell the story of Scotland’s participation in the Commonwealth Games through ten key items we have selected from the archive.
"These objects will be displayed at Team Scotland House during the Games, providing athletes and visitors with the opportunity to discover past stories and achievements."
Richard continued: "Sharing the ten stories from the Team Scotland Archive is a fantastic way to engage the wider public with Scotland’s historic role in the Commonwealth Games.
"We hope it inspires younger generations to take up the baton for the future."
READ NEXT:
- Scotland's most decorated Olympian immortalised by Commonwealth Games venue
- Olympic legend celebrates £1 billion of fundraising aiding Glasgow
- Police ‘confident’ in resources and planning ahead of Commonwealth Games
- Glasgow nursery children welcome Commonwealth baton to ancient city landmark
Items exhibited will include the first minute book for Team Scotland, which documents the activities of the 19 athletes who participated in the inaugural 1930 Games and a photograph of the group as they headed off to Hamilton in Ontario, Canada
The collection also includes a British Empire and Commonwealth Games flag, dating from the 1950s, with a unique story.
The flag was ‘borrowed’ by a visitor to the 1970 Games in Edinburgh, only to be returned more than 40 years later, in 2012.
A separate exhibition, The Friendly Games, created by students on the University of Stirling’s Exhibition Interpretation and Design module, is currently on display in the university library.
It highlights the emotions that shape the Commonwealth Games.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 2.
Team Scotland House is located at The Corinthian Club at 191 Ingram Street.
Tickets for the A History of Team Scotland in 10 Items talks can be booked HERE.
Share