A MULTI-million pound makeover of Glasgow Airport has been officially unveiled.

The upgrade of the "gateway to the Games" won praise from cyclist Sir Chris Hoy as well as Glasgow 2014's top official.

Olympic champion Sir Chris shared the limelight with Games mascot Clyde at the official opening of the new-look international arrivals area.

Airport bosses have spent more than £17 million on renovations, which include extensive improvements to the check-in area.

And VIPs reckon the west coast hub has struck gold after management decided to pull out all the stops to welcomes Games athletes and visitors.

Sir Chris said: "It has been a real pleasure to visit Glasgow Airport to officially open the new international arrival area.

"The airport is looking in great condition, and it is clear that a huge amount of time, energy and resources have been put into developing the terminal building.

"The new international arrivals area will be the first taste of the city that athletes and visitors experience and I am confident that Glasgow Airport will ensure that it will be a welcome gateway."

The curtain rises on the Games in just six days' time.

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, said: "The airport will be the first place many of our athletes, officials and spectators see when they arrive in Glasgow for the Games and what a great impression they will get of the city and of Scotland.

"The new-look airport, together with our team of friendly Clydesiders who will be on hand to meet and greet people as they arrive for the Games, really will ensure everyone receives a warm welcome from the minute they touch down."

For the past year, gangs of workmen have been getting the busy hub ready and airport boss Amanda McMillan reckons it's now good to go.

She said: "Our £17m investment represented one of the most significant and comprehensive upgrades to the airport since it was first opened in 1966.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the end result, which has truly transformed the entire look and feel of the airport.

"As the gateway to the Games, it was extremely important to us that we were able to provide a positive and welcoming first impression of the city and Scotland. I believe we have achieved that and we have delivered a facility that everyone associated with the airport can be proud of."

The multi-million pound investment will also has long- term benefits after the Games bandwagon rolls on to Gold Coast City in Queensland, Australia, in 2018.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "First impressions for both business visitors and overseas leisure tourists really do count."

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson said that the cash boost will bring "lasting benefits to the city long after the Commonwealth Games have finished".

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk