By CATRIONA STEWART

THE final touches are being put on Glasgow’s world-famous Commonwealth Games symbol before it takes up its final home - chosen by you.

The Big G has been reinforced and repainted ahead of being installed on Glasgow Green, the venue that came out top in our readers’ poll.

We asked you if the sculpture should be installed at Hampden Stadium, Glasgow Green or outside Kelvingrove - and the Green was far and away the biggest winner.

Artist Jason Paterson, who was responsible for designing and building the Glasgow 2014 focal point, came along to cast a final eye over his creation.

Jason said: “I have redesigned the G so it’s more stable now and suitable for being installed outdoors.

“It’s being galvanised and powder coated so hopefully people will look at it and remember the Games from here until eternity.”

Glasgow Green was the clear winner of our readers’ poll - scoring a massive 66 per cent of the votes.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum came in second with 28 per cent while Hampden Park lagged behind with only six per cent.

While Jason is happy that his work has found a permanent home, Glasgow Green wasn’t his first choice.

He said: “Do I think the right place has been chosen? No.

“I would like to have seen the G next to the Emirates Stadium.

“The spot on Glasgow Green is quite secluded but people will see it when they are out for a walk.

“I just worry that people will climb on it and that someone will fall off. But hopefully it will be treated with care.

Jason, whose firm is JP Fabrications and Design, has sold his work as far afield as Dubai and most famously is responsible for the 8ft high The Giant in Shotts.

He said he was amazed at how popular the Big G became.

He added: “I was quite surprised at the number of people who wanted to get their picture taken with it.

“I was given the contract to maintain the G during the Games and, because it was summer, I would come along about 9.30pm and close it off to clean and varnish the decking and make sure there were no sharp edges.

“It didn’t make any difference that it was closed. People were still coming up to get their pictures taken.

“I have friends in Miami and even they were aware of the Big G after seeing it on television and social media.

“It was quite an exciting time. I was overwhelmed.”

Jason said one evening a man started chatting to him and asked him if he knew who the designer was.

When Jason said that, actually, he was responsible for the metal structure, the man shouted to tell everybody near by.

The artist said: “I was mortified. I grabbed my brushes, jumped in the van and shot off.”

The aluminium sculpture has had metal added to make it sturdier and has been galvanised with zinc, which will ensure it has a life span of more than 100 years.

It is now in the process of being powder coated, which should keep the sculpture looking spruce for the next five to 10 years before any touch ups are needed.

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Big G is an iconic symbol of our city’s success in hosting what is now regarded as the best ever Commonwealth Games.

“Glasgow Green is a prime location, with a strong connection to the Games and to the wonderful moments experienced by so many people during the summer of 2014.

“I’m sure the return of Glasgow’s Big G will bring back a lot of great memories for everyone when it returns to public view in just a few weeks’ time.”

It is expected to be installed on Glasgow Green in December.