First ScotRail long service employee, Willie Stevenson (53), who joined the railway in 1988, teamed up with three aspiring gymnasts and 2014 Commonwealth Games hopefuls - Brooklynn McDonald (10), Carly Smith (10) and Cara Kennedy (9) - to show off the new look station, which has been decorated to welcome the first voters arriving in the city later today.

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