SIX months ago today the world was waiting for Glasgow to kick off the Commonwealth Games with the Opening Ceremony.

 

The event had been years in the planning but it proved to be worth waiting for.

A global audience of more than 1billion people tuned in to watch the start of what would turn out to be the most successful Games ever.

And according to new Scottish Government figures, the Opening Ceremony - along with Closing Ceremony - would turn out to be the most inspirational moments of the Games.

They were closely followed by the friendly atmosphere in the city and Scotland welcoming the world during the sporting extravaganza.

The research also ranks the dedicated Clydesider volunteers and the live events at sites around the city in the top five key inspirational moments to leave a lasting legacy.

In terms of sporting moments, nearly a quarter of Scots named Ross Murdoch's 200m breaststroke gold medal win as their most inspiring moment, followed closely by Charlie Flynn's gold medal in boxings's lightweight division and Lynsey Sharp's spectacular silver medal wsin in the 800m.

The Games have also encouraged city residents to take up sport with attendances at Glasgow Club venues last year standing at 6,635,039 - up 351,000 more than in 2013 despite Emirates Arena, Tollcross, Scotstoun, National Hockey Centre, Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls being closed to the public for up to three months during games time.

Between September 1 and December 31, attendances were also around 6% up on the same period in 2013.

Glasgow Club membership as of December 2014 was over 36,000 which is 13% ahead of December 2013.

Sports Minister Jamie Hepburn said: "Today marks the six month milestone since the start of the Commonwealth Games and I am delighted Scots are still inspired by the Games which were a fantastic collaboration of sporting and cultural achievements."

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland said: "The survey is further proof of the positive legacy impact of Scotland hosting the Commonwealth Games."

But the event has also left a dramatic legacy for many city firms and residents.

New figures show Glasgow firms won £423million of Games related contracts - £200m more than the figure collated just weeks before the Opening Ceremony.