Team Scotland are delighted to welcome Fiona Burnet and Jamie Farndale as our first Sustainability Captains.

The duo are already active ambassadors of climate action, and will assist Commonwealth Games Scotland with our Sustainability Action Plan.

Fiona, 26, is part of our Hockey team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. She is a Climate Champion with Eco Athletes, a team of athletes and academics, climate scientists and ecopreneurs, devoted to identifying and equipping athletes to lead climate action.

Jamie, 28, leads our Rugby 7s side, and is already a Sustainability Ambassador for Scottish Rugby. He supported World Rugby with their Environment Sustainability Plan, and will begin a Masters course on sustainability at Cambridge University in September.

They have already been involved in Birmingham 2022’s work towards creating a carbon neutral legacy, including recently taking part in a pilot activity with athletes to measure their carbon footprint and find ways to reduce it.

As Sustainability Captains they will play a lead role in supporting Team Scotland’s sustainability efforts, providing an athlete input into our strategy and adopting a leadership role in sharing information and advice with fellow Team Scotland athletes.

Fiona said: “I am honoured to be a Sustainability Captain for Team Scotland.

“I grew up on the west coast of the country so always loved nature, but my interest and passion for sustainability and the environment have really developed over the past few years.

“I was involved with COP26 in Glasgow last year, and it was a real eye opener for me. We need to do more, and athletes and sport can play their part.

“Birmingham is a really positive example where they are trying to have a carbon-neutral legacy. They are taking steps which are really positive and hopefully other major sports will look at the Games, a multi-sport event with 72 countries, and think ‘if they can do it then why can’t we?”.

“If we want to enjoy these huge events in the future then changes need to be made, and that starts with ourselves and our sports.”

Jamie said: “Sport has the power to unite and inspire through the millions of fans that are involved and the emotional connection that teams have – we can help to create the behavioural changes required to achieve climate targets.

“If sports people and organisations speak about important issues and do the right things like highlighting the need for sustainability then they can help make the difference.

“There are lots of good things going on at Birmingham in the sustainability space, and hopefully we can use the learnings and momentum from here to inspire change among athletes, sports and supporters alike.”

Fiona and Jamie were presented with specially commissioned Scotland armbands, embroidered by Edinburgh-based textile artist Lucy Freeman.

Commonwealth Games Scotland are at the early stages of our sustainability journey, having committed to our vision and action plan in 2021. Our aims are:

• to become one of the most sustainable sporting organisations in Scotland, and;
• to use our extensive range of relationships with other organisations to initiate sustainability conversations within the wider sporting community.

Our actions in the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games include:

• planting a tree for every athlete to mark their achievement in selection for Birmingham 2022, through Scottish charity Trees for Life
• working with Eco Athletes to create an FAQ for athletes looking to learn more about living a more sustainable life as an athlete and using their platforms for social good
• becoming a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework
• having our parade outfits made in Scotland, with all materials sourced locally and offcuts repurposed to make outfit accessories
• using local, sustainable products where possible, including wooden pin badges made in the UK, refillable water bottles, cork pens and notebooks.

To learn more about Team Scotland’s Sustainability Vision and Action Plan please click HERE.

Commonwealth Games Scotland note the sad passing of our former Chair, Colin McEachran MBE QC.  Colin won a silver medal for Scotland in Fullbore Shooting in Christchurch, NZ,  in 1974. He was a long standing CGS Board member and Hon Legal Advisor and was CGS Chair between 1995 and 1999.  Colin also led Team Scotland as Chef de Mission in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur and was named a Life Member at completion of his term in office as Chair.

CGS Chair Paul Bush OBE reflected the feelings of the whole Scottish Commonwealth Games community saying “Colin had a huge legacy making a huge contribution over 50 years to the Games movement, in Scotland and beyond.  First as a very successful athlete, then as a long standing administrator and Advisor.  I will sorely miss his counsel and passion for Scotland and the Games.  The thoughts of us all are with Charlotte and Colin’s family and friends at this time”.

Both recently selected for Team Scotland for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, swimmers Duncan Scott and Kathleen Dawson are celebrating bringing in the New Year with the news that they are among those recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours for 2022.

Both are awarded an MBE, having struck gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer.

Duncan’s gold and three silver medals in Tokyo was a record for a British athlete at a single Olympics, building on a similar feat which saw him win a record six medals for Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018.

Fellow University of Stirling swimmer Kathleen also took the top step of the podium in Tokyo, swimming the opening Backstroke leg for the world record breaking Team GB quartet in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay.

Also awarded an MBE is Paralympic Games gold medallist Owen Miller, winner of the T20 1500m on his Games debut with a stunning sprint finish.

Commonwealth Games Scotland send their congratulations to all Scots recognised for their contribution to sport in the 2022 New Year Honours List.

The Commonwealth Sport Pride Network has today been launched to positively champion and enable LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Commonwealth Games and across the Commonwealth Sport Movement.

Team Scotland is proud to support the Commonwealth Sport Pride Network, a voluntary network and coordination group, that looks to bring together athletes, coaches, Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs), Games organisers, stakeholders, partners and allies. It is open to all.

Team Scotland has been actively involved in an international working group of athletes, CGAs and stakeholders which has set out four key areas of focus – community, education, visibility and influence – enabling the network to:

• Create a safe space for LGBTQ+ people and allies to meet, support and coordinate activities as a community
• Increase visibility and awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion and participation in Commonwealth sport and positively promote equality, role models, best practice and support Pride House at the Games
• Support allies, CGAs, Games organisers and other stakeholders through information-sharing, training and education
• Provide a collective platform to influence and drive positive change for LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality across Commonwealth Sport and the wider Commonwealth.

Athletes, coaches, stakeholders and team members can sign up at www.thecgf.com/pride to become part of the network and get involved supporting activities at Birmingham 2022 and across the Movement.

The launch of the network coincides with Rainbow Laces Day 2021, which celebrates the impact that sport has on LGBTQ+ people and the impact that LGBTQ+ people have on sport.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “We are launching today the Commonwealth Sport Pride Network to champion and enable LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Games and across our Movement.

We hope the network will be a safe space to connect, support, learn, understand and celebrate. This is not a political movement, but an opportunity to champion inclusion and tell stories in a positive way.

In launching this voluntary network, we are mindful of Commonwealth-wide realities. Our cultural and religious diversity defines our family, and it is important for the CGF to continue to lead by example, embracing our shared passion for sport and living our values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny.

As “The Games for Everyone” we all hope Birmingham 2022 will provide an inspiring and important opportunity to engage, champion and benefit many diverse communities, and I am proud that this will now include support and initiatives for the LGBTQ+ sporting community.”

To visit the Commonwealth Sport Pride Network website and sign up to be part of it, click here

Commonwealth Games Scotland are pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Barsby and Nigel Holl as Board Directors of the CGS Board, following a member vote at Thursday’s Annual General Meeting.

Jennifer starts a second term in position having completed an initial four-year stint. She has also served on the board of the Team Scotland Youth Trust, and as Equality lead on the CGS Board.

Working for Scottish Disability Sport as Opportunities and Equalities Manager since July 2013, Jennifer has also been responsible for the Village Operations for Team Scotland as part of the General Team Management at the 2018 Gold Coast and will perform this role at the forthcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Jennifer said: “I am delighted to have been elected to serve for a second term on the CGS Board. I have a huge passion for sport and the Commonwealth Games movement and look forward to contributing to the success of Team Scotland ahead of Birmingham 2022 and beyond.”

Nigel is the Executive Performance Director for British Curling, and also serves on the Scottish Cycling Board of Directors. He has a wealth of experience across at executive leadership, board governance and performance director level in Scottish and UK sport.

Nigel said: “It is a great honour to be elected to the Board of Commonwealth Games Scotland.

“I know my career experiences and background across several sports can be of benefit to Team Scotland, and am excited about working with my fellow board members and wider colleagues to build a strong and successful team for Birmingham 2022 and future Games.”

Paul Bush, Chair of CGS, said: “Congratulations to both Jennifer and Nigel – both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board of Directors.

“I and the rest of the Board look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.

“We would like to pass our thanks to Sue Beatt and Richard Tawse, who also stood for election. It is reassuring to see the strength of interest and quality of individuals volunteering for these positions, and we are sure they will continue to support the efforts of Team Scotland in the build-up to Birmingham 2022.”

CGS would also like to thank Margaret Ann Fleming, who steps down from the board after eight years.

In recognition of the impact of COVID on our sporting world over the last 12 months the Team Scotland Youth Trust (TSYT) would like to announce a one off ‘Return to Sport’ fund to assist our young and talented athletes in their return to training and competition.

Over the past 9 years TSYT has given financial support to more than 50 athletes through several of its programmes.

The link below will allow you to download the fund criteria and complete the application form, requiring input from both the athlete and their sport governing body. This is to be returned to TSyouthTrust@teamscotland.scot no later than 12:00 on 11^th June 2021. We encourage applications from rural/remote communities, ethnic minorities, para-athletes and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Download application form here

For any queries regarding the application, please get in touch at TSyouthTrust@teamscotland.scot

For latest updates from the TSYT, be sure to follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/team-scotland-youth-trust/

Following World Earth Day, we at Commonwealth Games Scotland reinforce our commitment to playing our part in building a more sustainable future.

Our vision is twofold:

• Commonwealth Games Scotland becomes one of the most sustainable sporting organisations in Scotland
• Commonwealth Games Scotland uses our extensive range of relationships with other organisations to initiate sustainability conversations within the wider sporting community.

We have identified four key areas that will be the focus of our efforts to deliver on our vision, aligned with both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Scottish Government National Performance Framework.

• We will promote good health and wellbeing
• We will actively work to reduce inequalities
• We will take positive action to support our climate
• We will collaborate with other organisations in delivering our sustainability policy, seeking to prompt sustainability conversations within the wider sporting community

As part of our commitment we have joined over 200 sports organisations from across the globe in signing up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, agreeing to adhere to a set of five principles:

• Principle 1: Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility
• Principle 2: Reduce overall climate impact
• Principle 3: Educate for climate action
• Principle 4: Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
• Principle 5: Advocate for climate action through communication

We are now working with our athletes and other stakeholders to shape our Sustainability Action Plan to be delivered in the lead up to Birmingham 2022, a carbon-neutral games, and beyond.

If you wish to find out more or be part of the conversation on sustainability in Scottish sport, please contact info@teamscotland.scot.

Commonwealth Games Scotland expresses our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and The Royal Family on the passing of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

We pay tribute to his long service to the Commonwealth and in particular young people, through his Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.  He had a long association shaping the Commonwealth Games, serving as CGF President for over 30 years. He presided over the Opening of six Commonwealth Games from 1958, including appropriately those in Edinburgh in 1970 and 1986, with the last Games he attended Glasgow 2014.  His influence will be sorely missed and we mourn his sad loss.

With 500 days to go until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is delighted to mark the milestone date with the news it has become a signatory to the UN Sports For Climate Action Declaration and Framework as part of a wider policy commitment to sustainability.

The announcement comes on the same day as Birmingham 2022 organisers have revealed that it will be the first ever carbon neutral Commonwealth Games, with a wide-ranging sustainability pledge and the creation of 2022 acres of forest, as well as 72 new urban forests linked to the 72 nations and territories competing at the Games.

In joining Sports for Climate Action, CGS unites with forward-thinking sporting organisations from around the world, including Birmingham 2022, through a set of key principles, from reducing our own environmental impact to a commitment to educate and promote sustainable and responsible consumption.

CGS, as Team Scotland, is responsible for selecting, preparing and leading Scotland’s team at the Commonwealth Games and sustainability is a key consideration as preparations progress towards Birmingham 2022. Working closely with athletes, sports and partners, CGS will put climate action, equality, and health and well-being at the heart of decision making in all aspects of Games planning.

Reflecting, CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE said: “In signing the Declaration and Framework we recognise the climate emergency declared in 2019 by the Scottish Government and through its actions CGS will seek to become one of the most sustainable sporting organisations in Scotland.

“With Team Scotland being so important to people in Scotland, we recognise our  responsibility, and that of sport more widely, to be part of the climate change solution, acting where we can to reduce our impact and influence change. With the additional focus brought by COP26 being held in Glasgow later this year and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year, there is no time to waste.

“We welcome today’s announcement from Birmingham 2022 and look forward to working closely with them and other partners in achieving these ambitious goals, both through our own actions and as advocates for awareness and change.

“We have made early steps, but know we still have much to do. Sustainability will be a key feature of our ongoing decision making. With help from our athletes, we will continue to develop our actions and work with our sports and other organisations to identify where we can make a difference and how we can act collectively.”

Leading figures from across Scottish sport have met to discuss the continued impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the role the sport sector will play in the nation’s long-term recovery from the pandemic.

Members of the Scottish Governing Bodies Chief Executive Officers Forum were joined by Minister for Public Health and Sport, Mairi Gougeon, and Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, at the virtual meeting.

The SGB CEO Forum represents 35 sports including athletics, badminton, cycling, fencing, golf, gymnastics, netball, swimming, triathlon and volleyball. It was established to develop a greater collective approach across sports and to help shape a collaborative response to the pandemic.

Some of the challenges faced by Scottish sport, such as financial viability, access to facilities and SGB membership levels, were discussed at the meeting. The Forum expressed a firm commitment to using the power of sport and physical activity to assist in the recovery from COVID-19 and to help support the economy, health and wellbeing, education and social fabric of the nation.

Public Health and Sport Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “We know that being active is one of the best ways to improve or maintain our physical and mental wellbeing, and this has been particularly so during the pandemic. As we start to carefully ease lockdown restrictions while continuing to suppress the virus, there is no doubt that sport will play a central role in Scotland’s recovery.

“Recognising the significant effect that the pandemic has had on the sport sector, the Scottish Government has provided a £55 million emergency funding package, allowing clubs to bridge the gap in revenue until spectators are able to return safely to sports events in larger numbers.

“Our continuing collaboration with the sector is vital as we work to tackle the issues facing sports clubs as a result of COVID-19. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Sports Governing Bodies, who have worked tirelessly to ensure sport can continue to operate safely within the restrictions.”

Chair of the SGB CEO Forum, Vinny Bryson, said: “It was important to have the opportunity to speak with the Minister for Sport about the challenges facing the sector but also to outline how SGBs can be a part of the solution. For the Minister to listen to 35 Scottish Sports Governing Body CEOs and hear one collective voice is powerful and demonstrates our shared commitment to using the #PowerOfSport as part of the national recovery efforts of our nation.

“We are all keen to play our part in restarting and shaping the future of sport as we emerge from the COVID-19 restrictions over the next few months and today’s discussions will support this approach. All our Governing Bodies are keen to have the clubs and members they represent at the heart of the nation’s mental and physical recovery from this pandemic. For the nation to rebuild and thrive again, it must be an active one.”

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “It has been a year like no other for Scottish sport but the sector has shown remarkable resilience in how it has responded. This is the most difficult situation we have experienced but the sporting system, particularly SGBS, has done an exceptional job.

“We need to recover, rebuild and restart with confidence. I fully believe that we will do that, when the time is right, because we have a system that is committed to working together to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. There is a lot of hard work still to be done but we will get through this together.”

Today’s meeting comes just three months after the Scottish Government announced a £55million emergency funding package for spectator sports, to help them deal with the financial burden of lost ticket income.

Across the financial year, a total of £32.4million has been accelerated to local and national partners by sportscotland, helping protect up to 1,600 jobs across the sector, while delivery targets were also relaxed. The national agency has also created a £1.5million Scottish Governing Body (SGB) COVID-19 Recovery Support Fund, which is being delivered with National Lottery funding.