Commonwealth Games and Their Impact on Scotland’s Future in or outside the United Kingdom

Abstract

It is more than probable that Commonwealth Games in 2014 will be used by the Scottish government as a tool in the battle for independence. For SNP sport events constitute another occasion for underlining Scottish autonomy. That was visible during the last Olympic Games. SNP ministers refused to use the name “Team GB” in their message to the Scottish athletes. Nurturing Scottish pride during the Games has already begun, with e.g. official mascot, i.e. Clyde Thistle, red-haired plant which is Scotland’s national flower and emblem. The mascot of the Commonwealth Games has never flown the patriotic flag as it is now.