Latest news with #MascotMakers
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- 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.
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Unicorn called Finnie unveiled as mascot for 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
A unicorn called Finnie has been unveiled as the mascot for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Described as a 'proud Glaswegian unicorn', she made her debut posing for pictures on top of the Finnieston Crane – her namesake and a landmark on the city's skyline. The announcement comes as organisers mark one year to go until the Games get under way. Designed by a team of schoolchildren called the Mascot Makers, Finnie's horn is inspired by the traffic cone which sits on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art. Described as 'fun, cool and sassy', Finnie will often be seen making a heart-shaped gesture to the crowds. Other nods to the city's culture include a silver flash in her shoes to represent shipbuilding and the Glasgow coat of arms on her earring. On Wednesday, Finnie met with Scottish athletes, including runner Eilish McGolgan, and First Minister John Swinney, along with some of the Mascot Makers. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Swinney told the PA news agency: 'Finnie is a tremendous creation of the children and young people of Glasgow, who've been brought together to design a mascot that'll be appropriate for the Commonwealth Games in 2026. 'The young people explained to me that the things they wanted, characteristics they wanted, to be at the heart of the mascot were about friendship, about helpfulness, about kindness, and I think those values are embodied in Finnie, along with some iconic images about Scotland.' 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. 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.' Last year, Glasgow was announced as the host of the Games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to rising costs. The 2026 Commonwealth Games is expected to feature more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing across 10 sports in four venues. The Games will run between July 23 and August 6 2026. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Clyde the thistle man, who served as the official mascot for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, would not be reprising his role when the sporting event returns to Glasgow next year. Organisers had sought to end speculation that Clyde will sprout up around Glasgow once again, by releasing a mocked-up press conference where he ruled himself out of the running. The Mascot Makers are a team of 76 children from 24 schools around Glasgow. Speaking later on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Batty said he expected the scaled-back competition to be just as good as those held in the city in 2014. 'I think it's fair to say these Games will feel just as electric as the Games in 2014,' he said. 'The venues we're using, they've had world class events back then and ever since. 'We're in an eight-mile corridor, there's still over 200 medal events that will take place over 10 days. 'And Glasgow knows how to party – so this is going to be an epic games.'
Glasgow Times
23-07-2025
- 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.'
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 official mascot
Finnie was imagined with the help of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow. 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... The official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been revealed - marking a year to go until the event. Finnie, a Glaswegian unicorn, was unveiled on Wednesday morning at the top of the city's famous Finnieston Crane, which is also her namesake. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The unicorn could be seen alongside a special banner on top of the Clydeside landmark to announce her arrival and symbolically mark 365 days to go until the Games. Finnie was imagined with the help of 76 children from 24 schools from communities across Glasgow - known as Mascot Makers. The mascot's aerial entrance marks the start of a day of events celebrating the one-year countdown during which she will meet Scottish athletes. She will also be introduced to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren alongside the Mascot Makers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here. Finnie is a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. | Craig Watson Finnie's signature feature is a horn inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern of Art (GOMA). As well as her horn, Finnie has a silver flash in her shoes in homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history and she got her earring from the Glasgow Coat of Arms. Her purple mane is inspired by the bright lights of Games-time venue The Hydro and the world-famous Barrowland Ballroom gave her sparkling stars on her arms and nose. She also wears a friendship bracelet created by the Mascot Makers and will be spotted making a heart-shaped gesture as her signature move. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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 Mascot Makers wanted Finnie to be a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. Earlier this year, they took part in a creative workshop at Glasgow City Chambers where they worked in groups to design their ideal mascot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A unicorn emerged as the clear favourite. Their mood boards inspired Finnie's final look, and a focus group of pupils later reviewed design drafts, with their feedback helping to shape the final mascot who was brought to life by Glasgow creative agency 999 Design, Scottish actor Libby McArthur and Impact Arts. The mascot Finnie was revealed on Wednesday. | Craig Watson Maskeen Bhullar, 11, attends St Patrick's Primary School in Anderston and helped to create the mascot. 'It has been an extraordinary experience being part of the Mascot Maker team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,' he said. 'The last time the Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow I was one year old. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.' Games to see more than 3,000 athletes in Glasgow The Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2 2026, are expected to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The competition will feature a packed programme of 10 sports and six Para sports across four Glasgow venues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad More than 200 medals will be awarded during the 11-day event. Finnie will now begin a busy schedule of appearances at schools, sporting events and community celebrations across the country ahead of the Opening Ceremony next July. Finnie is preparing to entertain crowds during Glasgow 2026. | Craig Watson 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It means so much that she comes from the imaginations of Glasgow's young people.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot unveiled on famous city landmark
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games official mascot has been unveiled on top of the city's famous Finnieston Crane. The official mascot for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been revealed. Today, a Glaswegian unicorn named Finnie was unveiled as the official mascot for the games, appearing at the top of the city's famous Finnieston Crane alongside a special banner marking 365 days until the competition. A total of 76 children from 24 schools across Glasgow were known as " Mascot Makers" and helped imagine the mascot to life. Finnie's signature feature is a horn inspired by the famous traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside Glasgow's Gallery of Modern of Art. As well as her horn, Finnie has a silver flash in her shoes in homage to the Clyde's shipbuilding history as well as an earring from the Glasgow Coat of Arms. Her purple mane is inspired by the bright lights of Games-time venue The Hydro, and the world-famous Barrowland Ballroom gave her sparkling stars on her arms and nose. She also wears a friendship bracelet created by the Mascot Makers and will be spotted making a heart-shaped gesture as her signature move. The all-action mascot's extraordinary aerial entrance marks the start of a special day of events celebrating the one-year countdown, during which she will 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. Finnie will be introduced to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Glasgow's Lord Provost Jaqueline McLaren, alongside the Mascot Makers. The mascot for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was Clyde the Thistle. Statues of the mascot were dotted across the city. 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, spoke about what it was like being part of the process of creating the mascot: '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.' Leila Cairney, 12, from St Paul's Primary School in Shettleston, 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.' The Mascot Makers wanted Finnie to be a unicorn due to its unique and proud place as the national animal of Scotland. Earlier this year, the Mascot Makers took part in a creative workshop at Glasgow City Chambers, where they worked in groups to design their ideal mascot. Their mood boards inspired Finnie's final look, and a focus group of pupils later reviewed design drafts, with their feedback helping to shape the final mascot who was brought to life through the Mascot Makers programme by Glasgow creative agency 999 Design, Scottish actor Libby McArthur and Impact Arts. The Games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026, are expected to welcome more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The competition will feature a packed programme of 10 sports and 6 Para sports across four Glasgow venues, including Athletics and Para Athletics (track and field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball. More than 200 medals will be awarded during the 11-day event, which includes a record-breaking Para sport programme featuring 47 medal events across six sports. Glasgow 2026 will also feature the largest Track Cycling and swim programmes ever seen at a Commonwealth Games. On the Athletics track, the infamous Commonwealth Mile will return, which is anticipated to be one of the must-see moments of the Games. Finnie will now begin a busy schedule of appearances at schools, sporting events and community celebrations across the country ahead of the Opening Ceremony next July. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. 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