People across Scotland will be asked what legacy they want from the 2014 Commonwealth Games at events being staged across the country.

People across Scotland will be asked what legacy they want from the 2014 Commonwealth Games at events being staged across the country.

Host city Glasgow has repeatedly said the Games will be about more than a two-week sporting event and now the Scottish Government is holding the events, starting later this month in Lanarkshire, to discover what lasting benefits people want the sporting contest to leave for the country.

Presentations about the development of a Games legacy will be followed by a question-and-answer session open to the public.

Ministers will then publish an interim action plan towards the end of this year. They will reveal their plan next summer.

The events are taking place in towns and cities across the country, starting at Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell on May 27, followed the next day by a session at the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr. Edinburgh's event will be staged at City Chambers on June 9, while the citizens of Dundee get their chance at the Hilton Hotel on June 12.

Further events are planned in Glasgow, Perth, Inverness, Portree, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Oban, Dumfries, Melrose, Kirkwall and Helensburgh; details will be given once dates and venues are confirmed.

Launching the consultation, Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell said yesterday the Commonwealth Games would bring "great opportunities" to regenerate communities and improve people's lives.

Mr Maxwell said: "This government has always made clear that hosting the 2014 Games is not just about hosting a two-week sporting festival. It presents Scotland with great opportunities to raise our sights as a nation and regenerate communities across Scotland.

"We need individuals, groups and organisations to examine our proposals rigorously, and to think creatively about how the Games can help in their area."

Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, added: "These roadshows will help inform how we tackle these issue following the Games and I hope people will go along and voice their opinions."