MORE than 3,000 athletes have been welcomed to Scotland today ahead of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

Athletes from Germany, Finland, France and other European countries were among the first to arrive at Glasgow International Airport.

Gymnastics teams from Spain, Iceland, and Belarus all arrived in the city today ahead of the games starting on August 2.

Championships director, Colin Hartley, says this is an exciting time for the city to welcome the athletes.

He said: "The moment is here.

"We're delighted to welcome the first athletes to Glasgow and Scotland and I have no doubt that they will enjoy everything both city and nation has to offer."