WITH just two years to go it is already becoming clear that the 2014 Commonwealth Games offer an enormous series of opportunities for Glasgow.
It's an opportunity to showcase the city to a global audience.
It's an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a true sporting spectacle featuring some of the world's finest athletes.
But, more than that, it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow.
The images of the transformation of large tracts of the East End show just how much has already been achieved.
Stunning sports facilities stand close to the new Athletes Village. Vast swathes of land are being transformed by the improved infrastructure being put in place as a direct consequence of the Games coming to the city.
All of this demonstrates starkly how important the success of the Games is to Glasgow.
Two weeks of sporting excellence would be something to celebrate on its own.
However, the chance to use the occasion to improve the health, housing, job opportunities and education of our citizens for decades to come is the true legacy.
These Games belong to the people of Glasgow and, by embracing them, we will all share in the benefits which will follow.