BUSINESS chiefs, politicians and trade union bosses demanded a “deep clean” for Glasgow before the 2026 Commonwealth Games — or visitors could end up watching a “rat race” instead of athletics races. The calls came after we found streets plagued by litter, vermin, graffiti, drugs paraphernalia and even human poo just a day after the city agreed to host a “slimmed down” version of the sports extravaganza . 9 The Commonwealth Games could be plagued by drugs, rats and litter Credit: Les Gallagher 9 There have been calls for Glasgow to be cleaned up for the games Credit: Les Gallagher 9 Bin bags piled up in Glasgow city centre Credit: Les Gallagher 9 Glasgow has been branded "absolutely manky" Credit: Les Gallagher 9 Graffiti strewn walls are everywhere in the city Credit: Les Gallagher 9 The city's mess has also led to a rat problem Credit: Tom Farmer Critics also hit out at the lukewarm welcome to the event from SNP ministers and demanded a complete change in attitude to show that Glasgow , and Scotland , is open for business .
GMB union convenor Chris Mitchell said: “Glasgow needs a deep clean for this, not just a wee spruce-up. “If they don’t, one of the events in 2026 will be the rat race . We don’t want visitors going home saying, ‘Great city, great culture, great people — but it’s absolutely manky.
’” Nightclub owner Donald MacLeod MBE added: “It was a no-brainer that we went for it but let’s have a positive attitude from our leaders. MOR.