A CALL has been made for tens of thousands of people to line the streets of Glasgow when Scotland's Olympic heroes take part in a victory parade through the city.
The parade will be held on September 14, as revealed in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times.
Scottish athletes won a record 13 medals at the London 2012 Games and Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison praised their efforts, while Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson said it was right that the city should host the parade.
Ms Robison said: "We must recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of those Scottish athletes who have participated in the Olympics, as well as those who will be participating in the Paralympics later this month.
"Here in Scotland, we have played our part in these great Games, from hosting football matches at Hampden Park to the hundreds of volunteers that went to London to help at Olympic Park.
"As we celebrate these successes, we must also look ahead to Glasgow 2014.
"I have great hopes and aspirations for Scotland's athletes in the Commonwealth Games and I hope people will take inspiration from these medal winners.
"I would like everyone to join us in welcoming our Olympians and Paralympians back to Scotland."
The route of the parade and other details will be announced nearer the time.
After the parade the athletes will attend a reception hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond and Glasgow City Council.
Mr Matheson said: "The baton is being passed from London 2012 as Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and bids for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
"The outstanding success of Sir Chris Hoy and other members of Team GB has helped generate a huge amount of enthusiasm and support from the public.
"I want Glasgow's children to be inspired by Team GB's success at the Olympics, so it is only right we honour the achievement of our elite athletes."
Scotland's medal-winning stars included cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, tennis ace Andy Murray, Glasgow-born rower Katherine Grainger, showjumper Scott Brash, and canoeist Tim Baillie, who all won gold.
Those who won silver and bronze included swimmer Michael Jamieson, 23, of Robroyston, Glasgow. He won silver in the 200m breaststroke.
Andy Hunt, chief executive of the British Olympic Association, said: "Scottish athletes contributed 13 medals to Team GB and deserve to be celebrated in style.
"No one more so than Sir Chris Hoy, who became the most decorated British Olympian of all time by securing another two golds, surpassing Sir Steve Redgrave's total of five gold medals.
"Every member of Team GB has inspired a new generation to take up sport and we hope that with Glasgow bidding for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, this will continue."
rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk