On 26th February, we launched the Glasgow 2026 Legacy Network!
Hosted by our colleagues at Glasgow 2026, the launch brought together a brilliant line-up of speakers and panellists from across Scotland’s sporting and cultural networks to explore the potential legacy impacts of this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Kirsty McNab, Senior Schools and Youth Engagement Manager at Glasgow 2026 and host for the evening, opened the event and welcomed attendees. This was followed by remarks from George Black CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026, who welcomed guests to the Organising Company.
Our very own Professor David McGillivray (Centre for Culture, Sport and Events, University of the West of Scotland) then introduced the Legacy Network and outlined its vision. The initiative aims to bring together stakeholders from across Glasgow – and Scotland – to collaborate, share ideas, and create meaningful and lasting legacy impacts connected to Glasgow 2026.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing about the We’re All In Together programme, a collaborative initiative established by Scottish Athletics, SAMH, The Daily Mile Foundation, Scottish Disability Sport, and parkrun. The programme demonstrates the power of partnership working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and participate in sport.
Each organisation was represented on the evening’s panel, chaired by Andy Robin, Lead Community Engagement Manager at Glasgow 2026. Panellists included Hazel Crawford, Head of Development and Participation at Scottish Athletics, Robert Nesbitt, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at SAMH, Fiona Paterson, UK and Ireland Partnership Manager at The Daily Mile Foundation, Lynne Glenn, Head of Development at Scottish Disability Sport, and Josh McKay, Outreach Officer at parkrun. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration, intentionality, and co-design in creating inclusive programmes that genuinely meet community needs.
We also heard from Alex Johnston, Legacy Manager at Glasgow 2026, and Michaela Collins, Chief Executive of PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid), who reflected on lessons learned from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and shared their perspectives on priorities for the legacy of Glasgow 2026.
Thanks also to Neil Ritch from The National Lottery Community Fund, who joined the launch to share information about upcoming funding opportunities that could support community-led activity connected to the Games.
The Legacy Network itself has been developed by the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at the University of the West of Scotland, commissioned by Spirit of 2012 and working closely with Commonwealth Sport and Glasgow 2026.
Looking ahead, the launch marks the beginning of an evolving network designed to support collaboration and knowledge sharing across sectors. Over the coming months, a series of Legacy Network roadshows will take place, each exploring different dimensions of legacy, including sport and participation, social impact and inclusion, creative and cultural activity, and place-based initiatives.
The aim is simple: build connections, learn from one another, and share what works. In short – build, learn and share.
Alongside these events, the network will focus on three key priorities moving forward.
The first is growing the network itself, ensuring it continues to expand in reach and diversity by bringing together organisations from different sectors, communities, and perspectives.
The second is mapping Games-related projects and activities. Using a theory of change approach, the network is working to align projects with strategic ambitions and identify inputs, outputs, and longer-term outcomes. This will help build a clearer picture of what activity is already underway, where there may be gaps, and where collaboration could strengthen impact.
The third priority is developing meaningful case studies that capture not only successes, but also honest reflections on challenges, lessons learned, and the real impacts of legacy-focused initiatives.
Participants at the launch were invited to share their thoughts on how the network could be most valuable to them and their organisations, both through interactive activities on the evening and through an online form. The network is also keen to hear about projects that are already underway or currently in development that align with the Games or the strategic ambitions.
Legacy does not happen by accident. It is shaped through coordination, intention, and collaboration.
Glasgow 2026 provides a unique moment in time, but it is the partnerships, projects, and learning that grow around it that will ultimately define its lasting impact.
We are excited to build this network together.
If you are interested in signing up to the network, access this link: Join the Legacy Network – Fill out form
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