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. MORE ON THE GAMES IN GLASGOW OUI GEE Glasgow Commonwealth Games boss hints opening ceremony may see Paris-style overhaul BACK IN THE GAME Venues, dates and sports in running for Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 “This is a chance to make Glasgow look great across the globe and send out a message of aspiration “It’s going to be a sprint to get the city cleaned up so let’s get going. “We need an attitude change from the top.
The message needs to be that Glasgow is open for business.” SNP minister Neil Gray put a damper on Tuesday’s announcement by warning sports fans not to expect a repeat of Glasgow 2014’s joyous scenes. Most read in The Scottish Sun CARRIAGEWAY SMASH Dramatic pic shows aftermath of lorry & motorhome crash on Scots road DEAL ME IN Rangers' bumper new kit sponsorship deal is most lucrative in club's history NICE TOUCH First look at poignant Fernando Ricksen tribute jersey as Gers legends model kit GONE TOO SOON Tragedy as DJ who featured on BBC & worked with legend dies from rare cancer He revealed several key events will be missing - including road cycling and the marathon - and said the event could shrink further if costs rocket.
A budget of around £150million has been agreed, far less than the £543million spent 10 years ago when they were last hosted in Glasgow. Rat appears in Glasgow womans toilet But in 2014, a reported total of £282 million-worth of tourism was brought in, as 690,000 fans travelled to the city. Union boss Chris Mitchell demanded extra funding for cleansing workers to make sure visitors go away with a positive view of Glasgow.
Yesterday the graffiti-strewn walls of the city lanes were festooned with filth as we took a tour around the rotting city centre . Even main thoroughfares like Queen Street and Argyle Street showed decaying retail units covered in spray paint - with some beggars sleeping on the pavement. 9 GMB convener Chris Mitchell said the city needs a deep clean Credit: John Kirkby 9 Glasgow nightlife supremo Donald MacLeod MBE said a more positive attitude is needed for the games Credit: Tom Farmer - The Sun Glasgow 9 Buck's Bar boss Michael Bergson said Glasgow is in the worst state he has seen in 30 years Credit: The Sun And there was fresh human excrement behind a rusting washing machine dumped up a lane.
In July we told how the GMB had warned of a “rat epidemic” if there was no investment in the cleansing department. Locals have reported vermin scurrying around unemptied bin areas. Chris added: “The city is under attack because of the cuts in public services.
“Only six weeks ago, Glasgow City Council pulled new cleansing jobs they promised. “Are we going to see proper funding, or just a wee spruce up? 'Buzzing' for 2026 tourism bonanza BY GORDON TAIT, Chief Reporter HOSPITALITY chiefs are “buzzing” and ready to welcome guests from around the globe following the 2026 Games announcement. Glasgow hoteliers saw 95 per cent occupancy during the 2014 Games while Edinburgh and Inverness had 90 per cent capacity at the time.
Craig Munro, general manager at AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow, said: “This is the perfect culmination of a phenomenal summer that saw events like The Open, The Edinburgh Fringe, and Taylor Swift’s concerts. “We have been incredibly busy and are just thrilled at the momentum. “Glasgow 2014 was one of the most memorable summers, not only due to the tremendous boost to hospitality businesses but also because of the incredible atmosphere that permeated the city.
“Our entire industry is buzzing with excitement. Glasgow has evolved significantly with the addition of many new, outstanding venues. “Glasgow is truly a world-class events city, and we’re ready.
” Ben McLeod, general manager at The Social Hub Glasgow, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and the hospitality industry. We are perfectly suited for an event of this size. “We know the effect the Commonwealth Games in 2014, so we are excited about the impact.
We look forward to welcoming athletes, teams, supporters and more to The Social Hub.” “Will they move cleaners away from some communities to cleaning up the areas around the venues? “It may be a scaled-down version but thousands of people will be here to watch the games . “But the lasting effect on people who visit is how clean the city it.
” Hospitality and retail bosses said Glasgow 2014 was the best time for their trade in decades. 'The worst I've seen Glasgow for 30 years' Michael Bergson, owner of restaurant chain Buck’s Bar, said: “Even if half the visitors turn up in 2026, it will be a bumper time for hospitality. Glasgow 2014 was the busiest we’ve ever been.
“But this is the worst I’ve seen Glasgow in my 30 years in the trade. It’s filthy and disorganised — due to council mismanagement. “I don’t like politicians talking it down.
It’s like they regard the Games as an inconvenience. It’s bizarre and it’s very disappointing.” Nadine Carmichael, sales chief for eateries chain DRG, said: “Without doubt, 2014 was our busiest summer ever.
To see that amount of visitors in our city again will be incredible.” Swinney: 'It's world class' BY CONOR MATCHETT, Political Editor JOHN Swinney yesterday hailed Glasgow as “a truly world class city”. The First Minister was in upbeat mood following confirmation of a scaled down Commonwealth Games.
Speaking in Edinburgh, he said: “Money is tight, and like all big projects there are risks. “But let’s remember why Glasgow has been asked to step in and rescue the Games — Scotland has a fantastic reputation for hosting international events, and in Glasgow, we have a truly world-class city to do so.” Ministers agreed a deal which will see the Games hosted in Glasgow at no cost to the Scottish taxpayer — with the UK Government set to cover any major security and safety costs.
With a £150million budget, the Games are set to only involve ten sports and they will not compare in size to the £550million event of a decade ago. Ewan MacDonald-Russell, of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “The Games 10 years ago gave a lift to retail sales, shopper footfall, and the use of vacant retail units. “But there’s an urgent need to make sure the city looks fit for purpose.
Clean, vibrant high streets are a great way to attract shoppers.” Tory MSP Annie Wells said: “Savage cuts from the SNP have left parts of the city looking a shadow of their former self. "We don’t want visitors going home saying, 'Great city, great culture, great people — but it’s absolutely manky.
'" GMB union convenor Chris Mitchell “The Commonwealth Games must now be the catalyst for the council to clean up their act and get Glasgow looking its best for visitors from across the world.” A city council spokesman said: “Glasgow has fantastic track record at delivering major sporting events. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'TOTAL CHAOS' Scots beauty spot CLOSED two days in a row as campervans gridlock narrow road DEAL ME IN Rangers' bumper new kit sponsorship deal is most lucrative in club's history “Organisers are always full of praise for the city, which is reflected in the fact that Glasgow has been asked to assist in 2026.
“Frontline environmental services are always a priority for the council and we are recruiting additional staff. A full plan for the run-up to the Games will be developed.”.
