The gymnasts, part of Scotland’s
national squad, wowed customers with some dramatic floor moves that
echoed the images displayed in the new branding.
Huge banners, featuring giant images of runners, cyclists, swimmers
and gymnasts hang from the station’s dramatic vaulted ceiling – a first
for First as well as Queen St station, who have been given permission
for the venture by Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland, in a
move that highlights the wealth of support for bringing the Games to
Glasgow.
Speaking about the transformation, Willie Stevenson said: “I’ve been
in the railway for nearly 20 years and I’ve never seen the station look
so impressive. I hope it will really spur people on to get behind the
bid and support Scotland in being the number one choice to host the
Games. The Games will be a great way to show the world the wonderful
country I live in.”
Passengers’ eyes will also be drawn to a spectacular “compass” on
the concourse floor. It points to some of Scotland’s most iconic
sporting venues, which will also be transformed if Glasgow’s bid is
successful, including the Kelvin Hall, Hampden stadium and Tollcross
international swimming complex.
Young gymnast, Carly Smith added:
“I’m really excited by the idea my whole family could cheer me on at
home if Glasgow wins. It is my dream to win gold for Scotland at
gymnastics and I’m sure the important visitors who arrive in Glasgow
today will see how much my city wants to win thanks to all these
posters”.
Scots and friends of Scotland passing through the station are being
encouraged to join First by Backing Scotland’s Bid for first place
Peter Williams, First ScotRail’s commercial director, said: "We are
passionate in our support of the bid. We want to ensure this vibrant,
exciting city is announced as a worthy winner in November, and it is
fitting that Queen Street station is now part of the showcase to host
the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”
Glasgow 2014 bid director, Derek Casey added: “The station’s
makeover looks tremendous. This summer delegates from all over the
Commonwealth, whose vote will determine the host city for the 2014
Commonwealth Games, will visit Glasgow. Large-scale backing of this
nature will leave the voters in no doubt that Scotland’s Bid has huge
public support – that we want to win.
There will be seven visits in total by the end of September, but it
is expected the station’s “wrap” will be in place until the decision is
made at the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation in
Colombo, Sri Lanka on November 9 2007.
Malcolm Cooper, chief inspector of Historic Scotland, said: “Queen
St Station has offered an impressive welcome to people arriving in the
city for over 100 years; its arched iron work roof is one of the most
recognisable architectural features in Glasgow and will now play its
part in promoting the City’s Commonwealth Bid. In granting listing
building consent, GCC judged that these temporary measures would not
adversely affect this much loved category A-listed building, making it
an ideal venue to show the overwhelming support that exists for the
bid.”
Further Information:
> Glasgow2014.com
