All four companies will contribute significant cash, goods and marketing support to the Bid.

As Major Supporters the four companies will have exclusive access to the Glasgow 2014 brand. Acting within certain rules set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the companies are now allowed to use the brand to promote the Bid to their customers and throughout Scotland.

Speaking in Glasgow's Trades Hall, the First Minister said:

"This is another hugely important day in the race for 2014. Scotland's bid has captured the imagination of Scots everywhere, all of them wanting to send out a message to the Commonwealth that we want to win.

"Today that message gets stronger and it gets louder. Some of our biggest companies have shown their faith in the bid and have made it clear that they are ready to invest in the future of our country. They know that winning will provide a boost to the economy, but they know that it will do more. It will inspire our young people, it will show the world what kind of country Scotland is becoming. That is an investment that will always pay dividends.

"We all know what is at stake. We know that we have a long, difficult road ahead of us. But we also know that with the backing of our businesses and our people we can win these Games for Scotland."

Steve Reid, Head of Retail Banking at Clydesdale Bank said,

"With Glasgow at the heart of our business, Clydesdale Bank was delighted to be the first corporate supporter of the City's bid. As an established supporter of Scotland's Team, our support for the 2014 bid symbolises our long term commitment to them and our business in Scotland. Glasgow's bid has undoubtedly become stronger today and the City has an opportunity to host the Games for the very first time."

Mary Dickson, Managing Director, First ScotRail said, "First is totally committed to Glasgow's bid and we will be passionate in our support over the coming months to ensure that this vibrant, exciting city is announced as a worthy winner by the Commonwealth Games Federation in November 2007. There's a lot at stake. If Glasgow wins, the city will have an unprecedented opportunity to showcase itself as the friendly city hosting the friendly games. And the benefits will ripple throughout Scotland. "With over 8,500 employees in Scotland and more than 200 million passenger journeys completed in Scotland every year, First provides the backbone of Scotland's public transport infrastructure. Let's all work together to ensure that Glasgow's bid is successful."

Sally Stanley, marketing director of Highland Spring, the UK's leading supplier of bottled water, said:

"Highland Spring is well known as a long-term sponsor of UK sport and is delighted to be a major supporter of Glasgow's 2014 Bid. We are committed to forging the link between active sport and good hydration and winning the bid would be a terrific opportunity to encourage thousands of Scottish children to participate in new sports by giving them first hand access to the elite athletes of their home country and other Commonwealth nations. What a wonderful chance for Scotland."

Derek McManus, Head of Operations for O2 in Scotland, said:

"O2 is firmly behind Glasgow's bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and we are delighted to be a Major Supporter of the bid. At O2, our vision is to deliver the best possible experience to our customers and when we announced our £18m investment in our new Contact Centre in the city we were keen to find a way of supporting and showing our long-term commitment to Glasgow and Scotland. The 2014 Bid is a tremendous opportunity for O2 to invest further in the city and grow our brand affinity with Scotland."

Further Information:

> Glasgow2014.com  

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