Scottish National Party MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, will this afternoon host a debate concerning the 2014 Commonwealth Games which are to be held in Glasgow’s East End.

Speaking ahead of the Holyrood debate, John Mason, whose constituency will be on show to the world in 2014, said:

“I am very enthusiastic about the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow.  This is a great opportunity for us to showcase the East End to the rest of the world and I have every confidence that we will do that well.

“It is particularly encouraging to hear that the facilities currently being built are on-time and on-budget.  It is already clear from walking around the East End that the building work is coming along well. 

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games will be a real boost to the economy of Glasgow and will provide a lasting legacy for East End folk.  There have already been jobs for local people in construction and there will be more jobs in the longer term actually operating the facilities.  In addition local residents can obviously use the facilities just as they do other places operated by Glasgow Life.

“The Commonwealth Games – which are 80% funded by the SNP Government – is just the latest in a number of projects which will regenerate the East End.  These capital projects come in addition to the recently completed M74 motorway extension and the East End Regeneration Route, with the new station at Dalmarnock coming on well.

“It’s an exciting time to live in the East End and that excitement will only continue to grow as we approach 2014.

“Not only are we seeing the upgrade to the Tollcross Leisure Centre but there will be useful new complexes built such as the recently opened Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow Green.

“Not only will the sports facilities be a great attraction to people wanting to take part in sports, but the investment into the Athletes Village in Dalmarnock will alleviate some of the local housing problems with around 300 homes being handed over to local Housing Associations for social rent after the games”.