gold medallist Robbie Renwick has launched a new £4million Celebrate fund in Glasgow.

The swimmer, who lives in the city, wants people to start getting the benefit of the Commonwealth Games - 15 months before they begin.

Celebrate is a joint drive formed by the Scottish Lottery Distributor's Forum offering funding for events and community projects that celebrate the Games or anything inspired by Scottish links to the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

Launching the scheme at the People's Palace in Glasgow Green, Robbie said: "We just want people to get behind the team and the competition any way they can.

"I would recommend not only going to see sports you don't normally see, but why not try participating in these sports?

"Maybe archery or badminton or pick up goggles and try swimming."

Robbie won a gold medal in the 200m Freestyle for Scotland in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and was also part of the 4 x 200m relay team that claimed a silver medal.

He also won silver in the 2006 Games in Melbourne, again as part of the relay team.

He took part in the 2012 Olympics but was not among the medallists. However, he believes a home crowd will spur him on to retain his Commonwealth Games title.

Robbie, who studied at Strathclyde University, starts training at 4.30am six days a week at the refurbished Tollcross Pool.

He says: "We have been really fortunate to have a home Olympics and now a home Commonwealth Games so it is really exciting for us," he said.

"I live and train in Glasgow and everyone is getting really excited for the Games. There is a real buzz and it is a motivating factor day in, day out."

He added: "When there is a 15,000 capacity venue and all the people are chanting my name it can be nerve-racking but I know I just have to focus on my race. That's what it is all about.

"The only thing that's important is trying to beat people who are faster than me. "

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chairwoman, said: "Through Celebrate we can offer Lottery funding of up to £10,000 to arts, heritage, sports and community groups to hold one-off events.

"Whether you want to have Reggae Burns Night or a Come and Try Sports Open Day, as long it is linked to the Games and people can get involved, then Celebrate is for you."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk