Latest news with #CraigWatson
Glasgow Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow reacts to 'shocking' Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot
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. Finnie features a traffic cone as her unicorn horn, inspired by the Duke of Wellington statue, and she has stars on her arms, legs and nose as a nod to the Barrowland Ballroom. We took a photo of the purple-maned mascot to the streets of the city centre, and people were divided over the design. Finnie was revealed on top of the Finnieston Crane this morning (Image: Craig Watson) READ MORE: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot revealed as unicorn A girl said Finnie looked "nice", while another added that she thought the mascot was "very pretty." However, one man compared Finnie to another mascot in the city, he said: "I thought the Partick Thistle mascot was bad, but this is something special." One pair of women thought that Finnie was "quite cute" and "lovely", while another pair recoiled back on first glimpse of the unicorn, admitting that they didn't like it and "don't think children will like to look at that, to be honest." "Not impressed", was the first response from another woman, and a pair of men sitting on one of Sauchiehall Street's benches declared they "didn't like the colours." The majority of responses were along the lines of one man, who said: "Yeah, it's alright." But the overarching theme we found was that we had to explain the details of the mascot to most, as the majority were a little confused by Finnie's design. Glasgow reacts to 'shocking' Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot (Image: Craig Watson) READ MORE: Historic city pub forced to close after ceiling collapses READ MORE: LIVE: Fault causing travel chaos for commuters this afternoon Once her name, mane and all the other intricate details had been explained, people did seem to warm up to the idea of Finnie. It also helped that we mentioned how Finnie was imagined with the help of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow and brought to life ahead of next year's games. Once people were aware of the thought behind the mascot, most came around to be more complimentary of her. One woman changed her view and said: "Having said all that, given what's been put into it, I think it's quite good. "Because of the difference in that cone on there and the other bits, I can understand why it's been done like that." #commonwealthgames #finnie #glasgow2026 ♬ original sound - Glasgow Times @glasgowtimes ❓🦄❓The new mascot for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was revealed today, but people in the city are a bit confused by it. Finnie the unicorn was unveiled this morning, and we took a photo of the purple-maned mascot to the streets of the city centre to see what they made of her. #glasgow READ MORE: New speed camera to be switched on in busy Glasgow area next week Another pair said: "It all makes sense when you explain it. It's just my initial reaction to it... It's a bit shocking." One man rounded off the chat by saying: "It's okay, actually, certainly screams Glasgow." The mascot's arrival marks the start of the one-year countdown to the games, 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.'
The National
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot unveiled as Finnie the unicorn
Finnie, a unicorn with a traffic cone for a horn, made her first official appearance at the city's famous Finnieston Crane on Wednesday to mark a year until the start of the games. The mascot was designed with the help of school children from Glasgow and replaces Clyde the Thistle, who was the mascot for the last Glasgow games in 2014. (Image: Glasgow2026 / Craig Watson) (Image: Glasgow2026 / Craig Watson) More than 3000 athletes are set to compete in a 10-sport programme across four of the city's iconic venues from July 23 to August 2 next year. It is a cut-down version of the games, after the Australian state of Victoria backed out for financial reasons. READ MORE: Scottish designer creates tartan for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Finnie's horn is a take on the famous traffic cone placed on the top of the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow city centre. She also has a silver flash in her shoes, which is meant to be a homage to the city's shipbuilding history, as well as star-spangled arms in a nod to the Barrowland Ballroom, and a flowing purple mane which is inspired by the lights that shine on the OVO Hydro venue at night. (Image: Jeff Holmes) Finnie is set to attend a number of events on Wednesday to mark the one-year countdown to the games, including meeting First Minister John Swinney and a number of athletes such as 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan and Olympic medalist Eilidh Doyle. In a statement released on her behalf, the mascot said: "I'll be at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer with a grin, a wave, maybe even a wee dance. READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne dies 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, family says "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." Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty 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."
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Clyde rules himself out as Glasgow 2026 Games mascot
Clyde, who was the face of the 2014 Games, confirmed he will not return, ending months of speculation. However, he assured fans that he will find a new role next summer. A spokesperson for Glasgow 2026 read a statement on Clyde's behalf, saying: "Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen. (Image: Craig Watson) "To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for. "So, for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what's about to come – I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026." Read more: 'This is not acceptable': Paisley summit tackles rising abuse of shopworkers The new mascot, created by 76 schoolchildren, will be unveiled on July 23, marking one year until the Games begin. Phil Batty OBE, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: "Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public, for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland. "He's given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world. "We're excited that Clyde will have a role to play at Glasgow 2026, and can't wait to share what it is." The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in a 10-sport programme across four of the city's iconic venues. More than 200 medals will be up for grabs across 11 days.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Airdrie 'accept' six-figure fee for star striker Ben Wilson
Airdrieonians have reportedly accepted a £200,000 offer from Welsh side TNS for striker Ben Wilson. The Northern Irishman only joined the Championship club last summer but enjoyed a prolific campaign scoring 17 goals in 46 matches in all competitions. Advertisement And according to Sky Sports, TNS - who banked around £6million from appearing in the revamped Conference League group stage last season, are ready to splash the cash on the 23-year-old. Wilson made a big impression when he arrived in Monklands last summer, netting a hat-trick on his competitive debut in a thumping 8-0 win over East Kilbride in the Premier sports League Cup. He also netted in each of his first four games for the club. Now it appears the Diamonds will need to source a replacement as the former Cliftonville man looks set to leave Scotland. Airdrie have already added to their squad for the new Championship season with the capture of defender Craig Ross from Stranraer, while long-serving defender Craig Watson announced his departure earlier this week. READ MORE: Airdrie announce exit of 'consistently reliable' defender READ MORE: Airdrie make first summer signing with experienced defender
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Airdrie hero says no fallout in New Broomfield exit, as he dismisses Accies return rumours
Defender Craig Watson on leaving the Diamonds after a mostly successful four-year spell Craig Watson says there was no fallout at Airdrie and it was just time for something new, as he severed a four-year spell at the club. Watson didn't play as often as he would have liked last season, making only 28 appearances, and was made captain for a shadow team in their last home league game of the season, a 0-0 draw with Ayr United. The defender is looking for his next step, and hopes to have something sorted out within the next week or so, but is remaining tight-lipped. But the former Hamilton Accies and East Fife defender has fond memories of winning promotion to the Championship, winning the SPFL Trust Trophy and going into the Premiership play-offs, before fighting relegation at the end of last season. Watson, 30 and nicknamed 'Janny' said: 'It's just time to move on. It was a mutual decision, we shook hands, everything's left on good terms, and I wish the club nothing but success in the future. 'I had a great four years, but I just felt it was time for a new challenge in my career. 'It was great at Airdrie – at the end of every season there was something to play for, even in the final season. 'Though it's not the play-offs we would have liked to have been in at the start of the season, it was still meaningful, important games that you'll remember. 'It was a great time, a successful period. In the first year we got to the play-off finals, and had the lows of getting beat by Queen's Park, after being so confident going into it. 'We overcame that defeat and got promoted the next year, and followed that up with a cup win, which was great, to give the fans something to cheer about and remember. I was proud to be a part of that squad.' Watson can't say yet what his plans are for next season, but scotched online rumours of a return to Hamilton Accies. He said: 'There's nothing concrete just now, though I can't say too much. Over the next week or so hopefully things will be a lot clearer at my end. 'That's the first I've heard of Accies! I have ties with the club because that's where I came through the youth and made my first-team debut and what not. 'But that's just a rumour, I haven't heard anything. 'I want to continue playing at as high a level as possible. Championship would be fantastic, and I can't say anything at this moment in time, but hopefully in a week or two I'll be able to talk about it more.'
