GLASGOW Cathedral erupted in an explosion of colour in advance of the Commonwealth Games.

Hundreds of flower arrangers from across Scotland have spent months devising displays to decorate the stunning building which today holds a thanksgiving service for the sporting event.

Tens of thousands of flowers and many more stalks of foliage have been used in almost 60 different designs.

They have been created by around 700 men and women from 56 clubs of the Scottish Association of Flower ­Arrangement Societies.

Members travelled from across Scotland to set up displays which cover a vast range of Scottish themed subjects.

They include the life and miracles of St Kentigern, Scottish history, explorers, missionaries, innovators and entrepreneurs, Andy Murray, curling, golf, whisky, Arbroath smokies and porridge.

Each club taking part was given £100 towards the cost of materials but the majority have raised large sums through donations from local businesses or by events like coffee mornings.

Artistic director Kate Kerr said the scale of the floral ­designs reflect the vast size of the cathedral.

For example, the seven pillars in the nave have 12ft high displays shaded the colours of the rainbow from indigo to violet.

Another has 100 cane angels, each 3ft tall and filled with masses of tiny white flowers in tribute to a comment from Scot David Livingstone.

He said when he discovered the waterfall: "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."

There is a shepherdess with her flock of sheep and tributes to the herring industry, Paisley pattern and Susan Boyle.

Ms Kerr said it was impossible to guess how many flowers and pieces of foliage are involved in the Flower Festival.

But her design alone ­involved 800 blossoms and around 4000 items of plant material.

She said: "I have been living and breathing this for the past year but it is going to be huge fun and a once in a lifetime event."

Flowers started arriving at the cathedral over the weekend and a military style schedule of loading had to be devised.

Ms Kerr said: "I was a vet for over 30 years and dealt with the Foot and Mouth outbreak and dealing with a crisis is a transferable skill."

Coach loads of club members are travelling to Glasgow to see the displays.

Lord Provost Sadie ­Docherty said: "I am delighted to welcome the many flower arrangers from across Scotland who are taking part in Roots, Shoots and Fruits festival at Glasgow Cathedral.

"The exhibits celebrate not only the Commonwealth but also Glasgow, sport, and the history of the Cathedral in flowers and craft work.

"A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone into the two day flower festival to ensure its success.

"I am absolutely certain the wonderful flower displays will be a great success among Glaswegians and visitors alike.

"I am delighted Glasgow is able to showcase not only our sporting talent during the Games but our cultural talent too."

The public will be able to visit the free Flower Festival on Wednesday and Thursday between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk