Latest news with #2026CommonwealthGames
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Wednesday's News in Pictures: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed
The official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games was revealed yesterday. Finnie, a Glaswegian unicorn, was unveiled on Wednesday morning at the top of the city's iconic Finnieston Crane. Designed with the help of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow communities, the mascot is based on the national animal of Scotland. Her design includes tiny details inspired by the city, including a horn modelled after the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern of Art (GOMA). Other top headlines from Wednesday, July 23 include continued efforts from police to prepare for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit as well as the identity of a 1700s Orkney shipwreck being revealed. 1 . Finnie the Unicorn has been unveiled as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot The mascot was imagined with the help of 76 "Mascot Makers"; children from 24 schools from communities across Glasgow. | Craig Watson/Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games/PA Wire Photo Sales 2 . Commonwealth champions with the 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot The 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot, a unicorn named Finnie, with (left to right) Pauline Wilson champion para lawn bowler, Eilish McColgan commonwealth 10,000m champion, Sarah Adlington champion Judoka and Kieron Achara former team Scotland basketball player in front of Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow, to promote the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire Photo Sales 3 . Preparations for Donald Trump's visit continue US President Donald Trump's is coming to Scotland to visit his two golf courses, Turnberry in South Ayrshire and Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen. | John Devlin / The Scotsman Photo Sales 4 . Police preparing Turnberry ahead of Donald Trump's visit Extensive fencing has been erected around parts of the Trump Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire. | John Devlin / The Scotsman Photo Sales
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Dame Laura Kenny opens up about post-pregnancy body image
Kenny admitted that it wasn't all sunshine and roses in the lead-up to the event, struggling to find a dress that she felt comfortable in so soon after giving birth, which would also allow her to feed her daughter during the day. Posting to her 221k followers on Instagram, the five-time Olympic champion opened up about the mental and emotional toll being a mother to a newborn can have on you and was overwhelmed to see such an incredible response from others in a similar position. (Image: Alex Broadway/ "I find it hugely important to post about this stuff, especially from a women's point of view," she said. "We actually looked at the digital response and there were 1.5 million views and 86% were female on that post alone. "That's why it's so important, and that's why I posted it, because I want every other mum that's sitting at home to know how I was feeling. "You see a nice happy photo of us at Wimbledon, but that wasn't the backstory. The backstory was me actually quite upset, trying to find an outfit because I felt like I didn't look like me, and I'm having to put myself in the limelight, and find a dress that will let me feed my child. "Yes, going to Wimbledon is a choice, but it is also something that I wanted to do, and I shouldn't have to give that up." Kenny retired from her career in the velodrome in March 2024 and has since stepped into a new role as President of Commonwealth Games England. It is a role she took on at seven months pregnant and one that she has taken in stride, having already attended her first board meeting less than 12 weeks after giving birth. And even though Lily might admittedly be the easiest of her three children when it comes to sleeping, Kenny knows that returning to work so quickly is hardly the norm for most mothers. She also noted that it is something she enjoys, having always embraced chaos in the workplace. "Some people think it's a bit mental coming back so soon," she said. "I mean, I filmed a podcast when she was just two days old, and it didn't even occur to me that it was kind of mental. "Our line of work is a bit random, and it is a bit all over the place, and so it's always been like that. "I trained with Albie, and he just travelled the world with us so for me, I've actually never known any different and so I'm just enjoying it again. "I'm not going to say it's not difficult, but I like the mayhem and absolute carnage." Kenny's new role is quickly heating up, with today marking one year to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Keep up with everything Team England at It is a milestone that the former track cyclist knows well from her time as an athlete, believing that it was a key moment for athletes to nail down their targets. "From an athlete's point of view, you can think that the Games are coming around really fast, and it can almost seem a little bit scary," she said. "But I think it feels scary, and it feels daunting because it means so much to you. I think it brings a whole host of emotion. "I always felt like a year to go was really achievable. I could set a target by that point." But from her new stead as President, Kenny admitted that she is relishing the new behind-the-scenes aspect that she has access to. From board meetings about accommodation to talking through athlete selection processes, Kenny has a whole new world of insight into what happens to make a Commonwealth Games come to life. And with the clock ticking down until the opening day of competition on 23 July 2026 in Glasgow, she is more than ready to get stuck in. "I'm so excited," she said. "The reason I took the role in the first place was because I felt like I wanted to give back to the athletes and because Team England have played a huge part in my career. "So, the bit that I'm obviously most excited about is actually talking to the athletes and getting involved and that will only ramp up from now."
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Eilish McColgan and partner subjected to 'disgusting' racist abuse online
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Eilish McColgan has revealed she suffered racist abuse online after posting pictures of her engagement to former athlete Michael Rimmer. McColgan, who won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and was this week named as an official ambassador for the 2026 Games in Glasgow, has called for social media companies to do more to combat online hate. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She would like to see platforms such as X and Instagram use formal identification to prevent the abuse she faces every day. McColgan, 34, says she has become 'numb' to it but appreciates the trauma it causes others. Eilish McColgan, the Commonwealth 10,000m champion, at a Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games photocall at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. | SNS Group Asked specifically about the racial abuse aimed recently at the England footballer Jess Carter during the Euros, McColgan revealed that she and Rimmer had also been targeted. 'For myself, it [the abuse] is always about body image but I recently posted my engagement to my partner and the racist abuse that we received, being a mixed race couple, was honestly disgusting,' said McColgan. 'I've never read anything like it in my life. That was probably pretty eye-opening for me because it was a different type of abuse that was coming towards me that I'd never experienced before. And it's maybe how my parents feel when they read stuff about me. It was me reading that about someone I love, which was difficult to do, so it probably gave me a little bit of a greater appreciation of what my family probably have to go through when they read stuff about me online. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Sadly, that's the downside of social media and the online world that we're in. All we can do is keep standing up for ourselves, voicing our disgust at it, outing people who are maybe not afraid to share their names and stuff online but also ask for verification on social media.' McColgan, who was in Glasgow for the unveiling of the 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot, would like social media users to be verified before being given a platform. Eilish McColgan with Finnie the Unicorn, the official Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot. | SNS Group 'I think social media probably needs to do better, just small verification checks, whether it's uploading a passport, whatever it is,' she said. 'I think it would make a big difference because people won't want their employers seeing what they're saying online. It's harder to hide behind that because there's probably more consequences behind it. I think it stops people from making bad decisions but, as I said, it is part and parcel of just being online.' Carter is part of the England squad that has reached the final of the Euros in Switzerland and said this week she would take a step back from social media after suffering online racist abuse since the tournament began. McColgan expressed sympathy for the footballer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I mean it's obviously not stopping,' said McColgan. 'I don't think it's a new conversation at all. As I said, it's been happening to me for a long long time. It's not right but sadly that's the way the world has gone. 'Honestly, I've become so numb to it. Even speaking about it, I just feel like it's just part of everyday life like I can't stop it so there's no point in me getting all stressed and worked up about it but I do appreciate that for other athletes, it does wind them up and it does actually take a lot out of them emotionally, mentally.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed – with hilarious nod to unofficial city landmark
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games look set to be magical - after the official mascot was revealed to be a unicorn. Finnie - short for the Finnieston area of the city - was unveiled yesterday after 76 children from 24 local schools dreamed up the 'hooved-hypemaster.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The new Commonwealth Games mascot Finnie was unveiled at Kelvingrove Art Galleries. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 The horn pays homage to the Duke of Wellington statue. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 Finnie took part in a race against runner Eilish McColgan. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing 4 The mascot was even thrown by judoka Sarah Adlington. Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing Her signature feature is a horn inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern of Art. Athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan and Olympic medallist and Glasgow 2014 Team Scotland flagbearer Eilidh Doyle joined excited kids at Kelvingrove for the big launch. Maskeen Bhullar, 11, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston, said: "It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. "The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. "Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' While Aaron Higgins, 17, from Bailleston, is taking part in the Transplant Games next week and said it was an honour to be part of the team that created Finnie. The athlete also revealed that a unicorn wasn't the only animal considered when they first looked at the mascot. He said: "My friend John came up with an idea of raccoon at first and then a ferret. "My other friend said a fish because they thought of the River Clyde. "We came up with a design similar to Finnie and we couldn't have imagined it would have worked out so well now that she's been unveiled. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: did they leave a lasting legacy? Team Scotland basketball player Kieron Achara, Judoka medallist Sarah Adlington and Commonwealth Para Bowls gold medallist Pauline Wilson were also in attendance at the launch. While Finnie even met Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. In a statement, Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. "I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' The Mascot Makers took part in a creative workshop at Glasgow City Chamber - teaming with creative agency 999 Design, Scottish actor Libby McArthur and Impact Arts. The Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2 next year, are expected to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories.
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed as unicorn
It was confirmed earlier this month that 2014 mascot Clyde would be retiring from the role and his replacement has now been confirmed as a unicorn named Finnie. The 'proud Glaswegian' was unveiled on top of the city's Finnieston Crane where she gets her name. Finnie was imagined with the help of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow and brought to life ahead of next year's games. The Mascot Makers wanted Finnie to be a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. Finnie is described as being 'fun, cool and sassy' and her unicorn horn is inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art. Finnie also shows her Glasgow heritage with a silver flash in her shoes paying homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history, her earrings are the Glasgow Coat of Arms, her purple mane is inspired by The Hydro and the Barrowland Ballroom gave her sparkling stars on her arms and nose. Rise and 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒, Glasgow - Finnie is here! ✨ She's sparkly. She's cheeky. She's 100ft in the air. The #Glasgow2026 mascot is here—and she's making a big entrance.#CommonwealthGames — Glasgow 2026 (@Glasgow_2026) July 23, 2025 The mascot's arrival marks the start of the one-year countdown to the games and her day will see her meet Scottish athletes including Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan, Olympic medallist and Glasgow 2014 Team Scotland flagbearer Eilidh Doyle, Team Scotland basketball player Kieron Achara, Judoka medallist Sarah Adlington and Commonwealth Para Bowls gold medallist Pauline Wilson. She will also be introduced to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. In a statement released alongside the launch, Finnie said: 'I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. I'm here to turn the nerves into excitement, stir the cheers and help turn every moment into something magic as Glasgow 2026 swings into the city.' Maskeen Bhullar, 11, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston, wants to be an athlete in the future and has been inspired by being part of Glasgow 2026 as he said: 'It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. 'I want to be an athlete one day and take part in a future Commonwealth Games. Being involved in creating the mascot has inspired me even more to work towards that dream. To me, the mascot represents my city, Glasgow, and stands as a symbol of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. It's something I'll always feel proud to have contributed to.' 12-year-old Leila Cairney, from St Paul's Primary School in Shettlestone, added: "I am so excited to be part of the Mascot Makers. To see our ideas come to life from paper to reality has been an amazing experience. I hope you all love the mascot as much as we do." Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE, said: 'Finnie represents everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, friendliness and of course that little bit of magic! She'll be at the heart of everything that's exciting about these Games, from building up the crowd to hyping the athletes. She'll visit communities across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond, and bring them all together next summer. 'It means so much that she comes from the imaginations of Glasgow's young people. They have all been fantastic throughout this process and introducing Finnie to the world is the perfect way to start the countdown to these altogether brilliant Games. Scottish Commonwealth 10,000m champion, Eilish McColgan said 'There's something really special about the Commonwealth Games – the atmosphere, the energy, the way it brings communities together. And now, with Finnie leading the charge as our new mascot, I think Glasgow 2026 will capture hearts far beyond Scotland. As someone who's grown up watching and then competing in the Games, it means a lot to help welcome Finnie to the team today. 'Finnie represents the spirit, pride and togetherness that makes the Commonwealth Games unlike any other. I can't wait to see where her magic takes us.'
