Access All AreasAfter almost 30 years, the Commonwealth Games returned to Scotland last year – positioning the country as a modern, vibrant and culturally-rich nation. EventServ discusses its role.
The Games helped strengthen the Scottish event industry creating a lasting and positive legacy for Scotland as a place to hold world-class events and enhancing its reputation internationally.
In this article, Barry Lawford – EventServ Scotland’s regional manager – discusses the impact of the Games and what the future holds for the Scottish events industry.
What influence did the games have on Scotland?
Last year’s Commonwealth Games catapulted Glasgow into the category of being one of the top sporting cities in the world – proving that Scotland has the expertise, people, knowledge and, most importantly, the capability to deliver world-class events.
The positive impact of Glasgow 2014 will be felt in the city for many years to come. The Games have not only been a huge success in terms of sporting action but their legacy will be considerable.
World-class facilities have been built or refurbished for both sporting and communal use which has led to a rise in interest in, not just sporting events but, sport itself across Scotland.
The Games spring-boarded the event industry from one successful event to another. UCI World Cup, the Scottish Open and the Six Nations Championship are just a few events that Scotland is widely known for hosting and the event industry is continuing to thrive.
What does the future of Scotland’s event industry look like now?
There’s a cloud of concern covering Scotland this year with the events industry speculating how Scotland is planning to ‘fill the gap’ left by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. But there is no need to worry. Even before the Games, Scotland was known for being a major player on the events scene.
This year alone, Scotland will host the IPC World Championships, World Orienteering Championships and the World Gymnastics Championships – major sporting events that will continue to shape Scotland’s future as the leading host of choice.
Glasgow may not be a huge city like London but its modern environment and easy-to-access location make it an ideal venue to host events.
Scotland has invested time, money and manpower in Glasgow and the Emirates Arena – built specifically for the Commonwealth Games – which bodes well for the future success Scotland in attracting even more internationally-recognised events.
How is EventServ helping create a lasting legacy for Scotland?
A great example of lasting legacy would be the Athletes’ Village – which like the Emirates Arena was built specifically for the Games – for athletes to have a home away from home. Now the village is being refurbished as a community regeneration project to create community housing.
When servicing a major event, such as last year’s Commonwelath Games, EventServ have a goal – to ensure all work helps create a legacy which lasts long after the event has finished.
Following the Games, EventServ started a partnership with Glasgow Life – supporting its sub-brand Glasgow Sport as a Sports Pillar sponsor. Providing financial support to Glasgow Life, EventServ will be helping the charity maintain and deliver sporting facilities, projects and events to communities across Glasgow.
Following successful tendering with Glasgow Life, EventServ will be providing infrastructure support to a range of events in Scotland this year. Together with Glasgow Life, EventServ hopes to leave countless lasting legacies to events across Scotland.
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