Campaign for Commonwealth lottery funds

The SNP today highlighted the potential transformation of Glasgow's East End with the Commonwealth Games as SNP Candidate Cllr John Mason called for £150 million of lottery funding to be allocated to Scotland's Commonwealth legacy.

The SNP Government is providing 80% of the funding for the Commonwealth Games – a large part of which will be held in or around the Glasgow East constituency – with Glasgow City Council providing the rest of the funding.

The Commonwealth Games will lead to two new sporting venues in the East End, the National Arena and a national velodrome, there will also be an athletes' village leading to investment in new affordable housing.

Speaking from Tollcross Leisure Centre which will become National Swimming Centre with the addition of a second 50 metre pool as part of the Games development SNP Candidate Cllr John Mason said:

"The Commonwealth Games is a real opportunity for the East End of Glasgow but also for the whole of Glasgow.

"The Scottish Government's investment in Glasgow with over £280 million going into the Games is a real sign of commitment to the East End and the city.

"It is essential that the Games deliver more for the East End than two weeks of sport and that is why it is vital that Scotland receives a fair share of lottery funding to leave a legacy for the East End.

"There has already been investment by the SNP Government in two local sports centres.  There must also be a long term commitment from the lottery to leave a Commonwealth legacy and the UK Government must back that bid.

"With over £150 million of lottery money that should have come to Scotland going into building the London Olympics it is only right that £150 million of lotter funding goes toward building a legacy for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and around Scotland.

"As MP for Glasgow East I will campaign for a fair share of lottery funds for Scotland and for a lasting legacy from the Commonwealth Games."

Joining Cllr Mason SNP Leader and First Minister Alex Salmond said;

"The Commonwealth Games in 2014 will be a momentous event for Scotland, for Glasgow and for the East End.

"As First Minister working with the Commonwealth Games Association and Glasgow City Council to deliver the games has been a fantastic achievement.  However we must be certain to leave a lasting legacy.

"It is well known that the funding for the London Olympics is costing Lottery good causes in Scotland some £150 million. It is entirely reasonable therefore to call for an equivalent sum to be returned to Scotland to help us deliver a real, lasting legacy for the whole of Scotland.

"There is support Scotland wide for lottery funds to be invested in the Commonwealth Games and a vote for the SNP will deliver a message to Westminster that with lottery money building the Olympics it's vital Scotland's share of lottery funding is invested in leaving a legacy from what will be a fantastic Commonwealth Games in 2014."

Notes:

1. Boxer: Jonathan Slowey

Position / Events: - Representing Scotland at British, European and Scottish Championships

Coach: James Cunningham

Personal Best(s): Scottish Titles, Western District Titles, British Silver, European Bronze

Summary of sporting career to date:

•       Western District Champion (4 times)
•       Scottish Champion (4 Times)
•       British Silver (2 Times)
•       European Bronze

2. Glasgow won the bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 on 10th November 2007.

The bid was completed under the SNP Government working together with Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Association.

3. The Scottish Government is providing 80% of funding for the Commonwealth Games, 20% will be provided by Glasgow City Council No money is coming from the UK Government.

4. The Olympics with £184 million of Lottery Funding that would have come to Scotland.

The Scottish Government is asking for £150 million of lottery funding to be invested not in rising building costs as in London but to provide a legacy for the Commonwealth Games.