THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games are only half way through, but there's no doubt that they are already shaping up to be the best ever.

The opening ceremony at Celtic Park last Wednesday night was a triumph.

It was full of humour, self-deprecation, style, emotion and pride. It represented Glasgow to the world in all its wonderful splendour.

There were so many special moments, from the dancing Tunnock's teacakes to the new-style Glasgow Kiss. Rod Stewart, Amy Macdonald, Julie Fowlis, Susan Boyle, Nicola Benedetti and the Big Noise Orchestra were all phenomenal.

My own favourite moments were the beautiful rendition of Freedom Come All Ye and, of course, the starring role of the Duke of Wellington with the famous traffic cone hat firmly on his head.

But if the opening ceremony was great -and it was - the performance of Team Scotland has been even better.

Ten medals at the end of day one and our previous record number of gold medals equalled by the end of day three can only be described as a dream start.

I was lucky enough to be at the swimming in Tollcross on both Thursday and Friday nights and watching Hannah Miley, Ross Murdoch and Dan Wallace win gold medals is an experience I will never forget.

The atmosphere was electric. Scotland's poster boy for the Games, Michael Jamieson, was clearly devastated to miss out on gold but I really hope that before too long he will be as proud as he deserves to be of his silver medal - and as proud of himself as Scotland is of him.

The Clydesider volunteers have also been fantastic. Cheerful, helpful and efficient, they have really helped to cement Glasgow's reputation as the friendly city.

So, all in all, an absolutely first class event so far and the best bit is that we have five days - including an appearance by Usain Bolt - still to go.

But the overall star of the show so far has been the city itself. The atmosphere in the build-up and since the opening ceremony has been incredible.

The wonderful weather has certainly helped but, that aside, Glasgow has looked brilliant.

It was amazing to watch the marathon on TV on Sunday and see all the familiar sites of the city - from Glasgow Green, to Bellahouston Park, Buchanan Street, the Squinty Bridge and the Tramway - looking so stunning.

I hope everyone who has visited the city for these Games - and there have been thousands - has really enjoyed it and will come back time and again.

My last word for now is to recommend the live site at Glasgow Green for anyone who wants to soak up the atmosphere before the end of the week.

It is packed full of things to do and you can watch the sport on big screens.

Get yourself along there if you can. But whatever you are doing for the rest of the week, I hope you enjoy the reminder of the best Games the Commonwealth has ever seen.

Well done Glasgow.