A five-year project will look at the impact of the event and related regeneration on the health and wellbeing of residents.

The Games will involve substantial development in infrastructure, housing and sports facilities in Bridgeton, Calton, Camlachie, Dalmarnock, Gallowgate and Parkhead.

The study is being carried out by Glasgow University in partnership with Glasgow Centre For Population Health and the Medical Research Council, which form the collaborative partnership GoWell.

Researchers will consider whether the Games will stimulate interest in sport and leisure activities in the area.

Professor Ade Kearns, principal investigator on the project, said: "The current investment and development activity in the East End represents the best opportunity since the 1970s to change the lives of some of the city's most disadvantaged communities."

Councillor Archie Graham, the council's spokesman for the Games, said: "Some legacy projects are already delivering results, from the thousands of young Glaswegians now in apprenticeships to the businesses that have won about £180m of Games- related contracts."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk