GLASGOW Airport has used the Scottish thistle as the inspiration for a new logo that will be seen by thousands of athletes who jet to the city for next summer's 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Officials have adopted a modern twist to the distinctive symbol, showing the head of a thistle sitting above the letter G with the use of solid, blue colour to give the logo a Scottish feel.

The new logo, which will be displayed around the airport, has already won over Games chiefs as well as Glasgow's business and marketing leaders.

It has been launched with the strapline "Proud to Serve Scotland" at a time when the airport is undergoing a £17 million upgrade of the main terminal building ahead of the Games.

The logo was created by Paisley-based agency Designline.

Airport managing director Amanda McMillan said: "For many, Glasgow Airport is their first and last impression of Scotland and the concept of the new brand also centres on creating a 'sense of place'.

"We recognise the need to have a strong, identifiable personality that positions the airport within the region, supports an enjoyable customer experience and gives people a sense of arrival to Glasgow and to Scotland, hence the use of the G and the thistle.

"Through our continued investment and new logo, we are also sending out a clear message that Glasgow Airport is committed to playing its part in the successful delivery of what will be the biggest sporting event in Scotland's history, when Glasgow plays host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

David Grevemberg, chief executive Glasgow 2014, said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be the largest multi-sport event Scotland has ever hosted and will attract visitors to the city and to Scotland to soak up the fantastic atmosphere that will be created.

"Glasgow Airport will be a key entry point for those attending the Games from elsewhere in the UK and internationally including athletes and team officials and we welcome the investment being made to help Glasgow's global gateway to the Games make a positive first impression."

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said Glasgow Airport had achieved a great deal of success in 2013 – growing passenger numbers, securing new routes and investing heavily in enhancing facilities in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He said: "The team at Glasgow Airport is one of the most customer-focused of any business in the city and the new branding perfectly captures the dedication shown by everyone who works there while reflecting the airport's deserved reputation as Scotland's leading business and leisure gateway to the world."

Stuart Patrick, who heads Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, believes this new identity perfectly reflects the importance of the airport to the whole of Scotland.

And Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "As we get ready to host the Commonwealth Games next year, it is great to know all of our partners are playing their part by preparing for the biggest event the city has ever hosted.

"Glasgow Airport will welcome tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world in the summer of 2014 and I am delighted it has reached such an important milestone in its investment programme with the launch of its new logo which will give our guests an even better welcome to the city."

In an earlier version of this article, we decribed Glasgow as being Scotland’s biggest airport. Edinburgh Airport is,  in fact, the biggest in Scotland.