LOOKING at the television images of Glasgow being beamed around the world it is difficult not to burst with pride in the city and its people.

The place is at its glittering best and whether the crowds are filmed in the streets or in the venues people are smiling and enthusiastic.

Yet it seems like only yesterday that city councillors first cautiously raised the prospect of Glasgow bidding for the Commonwealth Games.

At the time it seemed an impossible dream but it was one councillors made up their minds to pursue.

Rewind to November 9, 2007 and the euphoric scenes in the Fruitmarket when a capacity crowd watching a big television screen learned Glasgow had won the right to stage the Games in 2014.

To be honest, many inside the City Chambers thought Glasgow would come a close second and would lose out on the big prize.

The fact London had been chosen to stage the Olympics in 2012 was seen as a potential barrier to Glasgow getting its smaller cousin.

The announcement from Sri Lanka took a while to sink in as councillors and officials came to terms with the enormity of the task in front of them.

However, months later, the Evening Times was invited to wander round a large, derelict piece of waste ground in the East End.

This, we were told, was to be what would later be named the Emirates Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Across the road, it seemed impossible to believe that a massive area of ground that looked worthy of nothing would become a new village of 700 homes.

Today, those homes are occupied by athletes from around the world and the neighbouring sports venues are bursting at the seams with crowds desperate to see the sportsmen and women in action.

Gold medals are being won in the upgraded Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trail is set to impress TV audiences.

Overseas cyclists have even taken advantage of the newly completed section of the M74 to use it as a training track.

Pubs, clubs and restaurants are doing a roaring trade and the open air entertainment zones at Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove Bandstand and the Merchant City are buzzing.

Having asked a large number of visitors what they think of Glasgow the reaction so far has been the same … it is brilliant.

And it is certain many more people around the world are looking at our beautiful city and planning a visit at some point in the future.

There is a well worn saying that gambling is for mugs and most of the time that proves to be the case. But on this occasion, Glasgow has gambled and won.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk