SCHOOLS close to venues being used for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games should be refurbished before the 2014 event starts, says a city MSP.
Shettleston MSP John Mason wants to see cash invested in school buildings to bring them up the same standard as the prestigious venues in the shadow of which they will sit.
Before the council elections in May, city leader Gordon Matheson promised if Labour was re-elected it would rebuild or refurbish every primary school in the city.
Mr Mason, of the SNP, has now asked the Scottish Government what assistance could be given specifically for schools close to the Games sites and called for the council to make sure it delivers on its pre-election promise.
He wants cash for St Anne's and St Michael's primaries, which are close to the main sites of the Velodrome, Celtic Park and the National Indoor Sporting Arena, and Wellshot Primary, which is beside the Tollcross Aquatic Centre.
The Scottish Government said it was a matter for the council what schools it wanted to refurbish, but there was a fund, called Schools For The Future Programme, awaiting bids for cash.
Mr Mason said: "In just two years the eyes of the world will be on the East End for the Games.
"The skyline across the East End is transforming rapidly, but some of the local schools could do with being refurbished and brought into line with our new facilities.
"Labour won a majority during May's city election and did that off the back of a manifesto commitment to rebuild and refurbish every Glasgow school.
"I hope the council will deliver for schools like St Michael's Primary and others in the East End."
Councillor Stephen Curran, the city's education spokesman, said: "Glasgow is committed to the refurbishment of our primary schools and we will take advantage of any additional money on offer.
"However, the likelihood of any money from this source impacting on schools before 2014 is slim."
stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk