THE athletes have gone and the sport has ended, and Glasgow is left with the goodwill and respect of people all around the world.

Which, of course, was all part of the plan of how the city will benefit in the future from hosting the Commonwealth Games.

As Mike Cantlay of Visit Scotland explains today, hosting events is part of the city strategy and pulling off a really big one is the catalyst for attracting many more, albeit on a smaller but still lucrative scale.

The legacy of the Games will be felt in many ways, but none will come along on their own - hard work is still required.

Capturing the enthusiasm and momentum that the Games created is essential to ensure more people of all ages want to and are able to participate in sport and activity.

The physical improvements in transport and infrastructure have to be used to ensure businesses want to locate in the areas where the investment is designed to create economic regeneration.

The first part of the strategy was hosting and delivering a spectacularly successful Commonwealth Games, which has been achieved.

Now the focus is on delivering the legacy and ensuring the benefits come to the people of Glasgow and get through to those who need it most.