One of Scotland's leading business figures has been appointed to a key role in delivering the "best ever Commonwealth Games" in Glasgow in 2014.

Sir Robert Smith, Chairman for The Weir Group plc, former CEO of Morgan Grenfell Private Equity and BBC Governor and Chairman for the Broadcasting Council for Scotland has been appointed as Chair of the body tasked with delivering the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond was speaking at a news conference at Hampden Park earlier today before visiting the construction site of the Toryglen Indoor Training Facility which will be used during the Games.

The First Minister, who chairs the Glasgow 2014 Strategic Group which brings together the lead partners of the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, said this appointment was a major milestone in the Games delivery process.

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Mr Salmond said: "Sir Robert will bring a tremendous amount of experience and expertise to this hugely important role, as the leading individual responsible for turning Scotland's Commonwealth Games dream into reality.

"He has a proven track record which I know will be essential for delivering an event which promises to be not only the best ever Commonwealth Games but the greatest sporting showcase our country has ever seen."

The Organising Company is a company limited by guarantee, under the joint ownership of Scottish Ministers, Glasgow City Council and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland (CGCS). The appointment of the Chair has been made jointly by the three Games partners.

The Organising Company will be responsible for delivery of the Games, and for spending the necessary £373m budget (net £298m). The Glasgow 2014 Strategic Group, chaired by the First Minister, will monitor the OC's annual business plans.

The Organising Company will be staffed-up over the coming months. The recruitment process started last month for a Chief Executive and other senior appointments will then follow. Derek Casey is currently acting as Interim CEO. For its first four years of operation, the Organising Company is expected to have a staff of around 30, rising significantly as the Games approach.

(JM)