THE thing about sport is that you don't win by chance.
To win, you need to want to win. To decide that nothing will stop you
In 2014, Scotland decided we were going to win the admiration of the world as hosts to the Commonwealth Games, and then the global TV spectacle of The Ryder Cup. For both to be acclaimed as the "best ever" is a truly astonishing accomplishment.
On top of that, we enjoyed a breathtaking programme of more than 1,000 events in the Homecoming programme, touching every corner of the country throughout the year. I am unaware of any other country in the world our size which has delivered events on such a scale and with such prowess.
And Scotland is assuredly the winner. Tourism is bringing new jobs and prosperity across the country. It's been fun too, with more Scots than ever buying tickets for events, organising events and volunteering. It's the Scottish people who have taken Scottish tourism to the next level.
Yes, we opened our arms and laughed and cheered with our guests. We gave them directions, provided sunscreen and sometimes the odd umbrella. We didn't just show them a good time - we joined in.
So how do we follow that? With more fun. We have the perfect excuse as 2015 is the Year of Food and Drink, with events taking place across the country. In golf we'll enjoy the pinnacle of the Open at St Andrews, with the Scottish Open at Gullane and the Women's British Open at Turnberry. Plus Davis Cup Tennis, the World Gymnastics Championships, IPC World Swimming Championships, the World Orienteering Championships in the Highlands, European Judo and European Eventing in Perthshire. In music and culture, the Edinburgh Festival leads the world and this year Glasgow has the privilege of hosting the Turner Prize.
In 2014 Scotland did indeed "welcome the world" but, assuredly, in 2015 the party will continue.
Mike Cantlay,
Chairman, VisitScotland,
Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh.
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