IT really has been the most incredible of weeks.

We always said the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games would be the best there have ever been but they have exceeded all of our expectations. Glaswegians are right to be proud.

From the Opening Ceremony, to Team Scotland's record-breaking medal haul in our world-class venues and from the Queen's Baton Relay to the Festival 2014 live zones, Glasgow has never seen anything like this or looked as good.

There is a fantastic atmosphere in the city and it is impossible to walk through the streets without raising a smile.

First and foremost, Glasgow's Games have been a truly world-class celebration of sport.

There have been countless World and Commonwealth records broken, as the world's best athletes go for gold here in Glasgow.

And Team Scotland have been right at the heart of the action.

Whether in the pool at Tollcross, or on the boards at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, our athletes have hit new heights.

I have loved every minute of cheering on Team Scotland, particularly Glasgow's sportsmen and women.

I will never forget being there as Michael Jamieson won silver in the 200metre breaststroke at Tollcross - the very pool where he learned his trade.

I am incredibly proud of the fact our Games have included the largest ever number of para-sport events. And what an undoubted success that has been, with cyclists Craig MacLean and Neil Fachie winning two golds and Aileen McGlynn and Louise Haston securing double silver.

And at Hampden, I was thrilled to see Libby Clegg storm the track to victory in the T-12 100m final.

While we rightly celebrate the sporting glories of our athletes I want to take this opportunity to praise the staff and volunteers who have made it all possible.

None of this would have happened without the years of dedicated work by Council Family staff to deliver the Games while at the same time providing the vital services the people in our city need.

And long after the Games have finished people will still be talking about the army of Clydesiders and Host City Volunteers who have made such a lasting impression.

I have enjoyed countless conversations with volunteers from all over the UK who can't speak highly enough about Glasgow.

Their passion and sense of fun has added a new dimension to the Games experience and I am incredibly grateful for their efforts.

Glasgow has delivered the best Commonwealth Games there have ever been. We can all feel rightly proud and boast in the future: We were there.