I WAS delighted to watch some of our best athletes in action at the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona last week.

I was particularly impressed by the performances of two Glasgow swimmers, Michael Jamieson and Robbie Renwick, who will be leading the medal charge during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Michael and Robbie reached the finals in the 200m breaststroke and 200m freestyle respectively, showing they have what it takes to compete at the very highest level.

In little under a year I have no doubt they will be in action representing Scotland in the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, one of the showpiece venues for the Games.

While venues such as Tollcross are at the heart of the Games, they are first and foremost facilities for the people of Glasgow.

In fact, all Glasgow City Council venues are now open to the public and by Games time will have been so for over one year, providing a real legacy for the city's people.

Robbie trains at Tollcross and Michael, pictured right, spent a large part of his early career there, which will give them a real home advantage as they go for gold at Glasgow 2014.

The countdown to the Games is very much under way and we are all looking forward to welcoming the world to our great city next summer.

TOMORROW marks the end of the Muslim holy season of Ramadan and the start of the annual Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

I am always greatly impressed by the religious dedication and personal discipline shown by Muslims who fast between sunrise and sunset for the whole month of Ramadan.

I have to say I struggle to stay off chocolate for Lent, so I know just how great an achievement this is.

The Eid al-Fitr celebrations bring diverse communities, families and friends together and nowhere is that more evident than here in Glasgow.

We are a proud multi-cultural city and that is reflected at this special time.

Communities across the city will celebrate this joyous occasion with prayers, traditional foods and with gifts to those in need.

The end of Ramadan is a time of great family and community celebrations for Muslims throughout the world.

I am delighted to wish joy and every blessing to Glasgow's Muslim citizens at this very special time of year. Eid Mubarak!

RETURNING to the sporting theme, I have signed up to take part in this year's 10K at the Great Scottish Run.

It will not be the first time I have taken part so I know what is involved. I am looking forward to the challenge, although I can't say the same about the training.

It is always a special occasion running through the city's streets with thousands of my fellow Glaswegians and I am sure this year will be no different.