He was speaking as he unveiled a First ScotRail train that has been specially wrapped in the livery of the Commonwealth Games Bid. The six carriage train will travel the length and breadth of the country in the months leading up to the final decision on the 2014 Host City.

The First Minister was joined at the event by Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson, Mary Dickson, Managing Director of First ScotRail and children from Glasgow’s Garnetbank primary school. Also attending were two of the athletes who appear on the train livery, hurdler Chris Baillie and cyclist Ruth McGavigan.

Speaking at Queen Street Station, the First Minister said:

“Scotland’s Bid for the 2014 Games is on track to win. We have the venues, we have the infrastructure and, above all, we have the desire to put on a Games that will show the world what type of nation we have become. The fact that our biggest companies are prepared to throw their weight behind the bid is a powerful endorsement of what we are trying to achieve.

“But while Glasgow is well-placed to win the bid we can't afford to be complacent. That's why I will continue to work tirelessly to secure the Games for Glasgow and for Scotland.

“This Bid Train will travel the country spreading the bid message. I congratulate First ScotRail for making this happen – and I urge Scots at home and abroad to join the 2014 team. Working together we can win these Games for Scotland.”

Mary Dickson, Managing Director of First ScotRail said:

“First is totally committed to Glasgow's bid. As this unique train shows, we are passionate in our support and want to ensure this vibrant, exciting city is announced as a worthy winner by the Commonwealth Games Federation in November

“There's a lot at stake. If Glasgow wins, the city will have an unprecedented opportunity to showcase itself as the friendly city hosting the friendly games. And the benefits will ripple throughout Scotland.”

Cyclist Ruth McGavigan said:

“Competing in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was one of the greatest moments of my career, but it would be a dream come true to compete on home soil in front of a passionate home crowd. Millions of people have already pledged their support for turning this dream into a reality, and as this colourful train races all over the country I’m sure it will encourage even more to back Scotland’s Bid.

“It’s an honour to represent Scotland and an honour to be chosen as one of the athletes featured on the first Bid train. I hope it will encourage our children to take part in sport and I’m sure it will give the country a taster of the amazing experience that would be hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Further Information:

> Glasgow2014.com