ITS alumni have gone on to represent Scotland more than 1000 times winning the highest accolades in their sports.

And now Glasgow School of Sport is marking 20 years since it opened its doors to nurture the country’s young stars.

Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Kirsty Gilmour was on hand to launch the first of a series of celebrations.

Kirsty said: “I’ve got really fond memories of my time at Glasgow School of Sport and Bellahouston Academy, and it’s always so nice to come back and meet current pupils and hear all about their progress and aspirations.

“If I hadn’t been lucky enough to attend the School of Sport, I have no doubt I wouldn’t be as successful in badminton as I am today.

"With two Commonwealth medals and an Olympics under my belt, I hope I can show current students that anything is possible if they stick in and make the most of the amazing facilities the school has to offer.

“Scotland might be a small country but we’ve had a great impact on the sporting world and the School of Sport has had a huge role to play in that over the last 20 years.”

Glasgow School of Sport is the only school of its kind in the UK.

The school is a recognised National Centre of Excellence, supported by the Scottish Government, and offers specialist studies and elite training in five Olympic and Commonwealth sports: athletics, badminton, gymnastics, hockey, and swimming.

Operated as a partnership between Glasgow City Council Education Services and Glasgow Life, the 120 sports pupils come from all over the country to attend adjacent Bellahouston Academy.

Billy Garrett, Glasgow Life’s Director of Sport and Events, said: “Glasgow is one of the top five sporting cities in the world - and the School of Sport plays a large role in that accolade.

“By attracting major events to the city, not only are we growing the city’s reputation and economy, but we’re giving homegrown athletes - particularly those who attended the School of Sport - a chance to compete on the world stage.

“We’re so proud of the work carried out in the school every day which moulds the future stars of sport in Scotland.”

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the School of Sport will host activities throughout the coming academic year, including a black tie fundraising ball which will be attended by former pupils and staff.

Head Teacher Ian Anderson, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the progress the school has made over the last 20 years - and things just keep getting better and better.

"Seven former pupils competed for Team Scotland in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, and this year we saw that almost double as 13 alumni represented their country in Gold Coast 2018.

“I’ve no doubt that the next 20 years will bring even greater things for the school and its pupils, and I can’t wait to see the next generation of high performance athletes build on the valuable skills and training they received here.”

For more information on how you can attend these events or donate, please visit www.facebook.com/GSOS1999 or email GSOS20@glasgowlife.org.uk