and he's a thistle named Clyde.

School children mixed with Olympic stars this morning to welcome the Games mascot to the city for the first time.

As revealed in later edition's of yesterday's Evening Times, Billy Connolly – who has been named as the latest Glasgow 2014 Ambassador – is to be the voice of the mascot.

Clyde made a dramatic entrance this morning next to the river that inspired his name – and was welcomed onstage by Olympic swimming stars Rebecca Adlington and Michael Jamieson.

Thistle was designed by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour, from Cumbernauld. Her design was chosen out of more than 4000 entries in a UK-wide schools competition.

Beth, a keen swimmer, was delighted to join her heroes on stage at the launch.

She said: "I still can't believe that my entry is now the Glasgow 2014 mascot – it's amazing to see Clyde come to life.

"I hope everyone across Scotland and the Commonwealth love Clyde as much as I do."

Commonwealth Games bosses were impressed with Beth's thistle design.

Glasgow 2014 chairman, Lord Smith, said: "Clyde is the cheeky but friendly face of Glasgow 2014 and will take the Commonwealth Games message to the people of Scotland.

"He will help bring the personality of the Games to life and he will welcome spectators and athletes from all over the world to the Games."

Billy Connolly narrated an animated film telling the story behind the Glasgow 2014 mascot, which was premiered at the official launch.

He said: "Clyde's a great wee thistle. It's a fantastic design by Beth.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk