The world famous actor and comedian narrates a special animated film telling the story behind the Glasgow 2014 Mascot which will be premiered at the official Mascot launch on Thursday.

His voice can already be heard in cinemas worldwide, as the voice of King Fergus in Disney Pixar’s animated motion picture, Brave.

Connolly joins fellow Glasgow 2014 Ambassadors Sir Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington to help ensure as many people as possible make the most of Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event.

Already a Freeman of the City of Glasgow, Connolly said: “I know that the people of Glasgow will enjoy the Games immensely, the whole of Scotland will.

"We are a nation that welcomes all visitors with a smiling face, the goodwill of Scots will stand forever, we will always have that.”

His first involvement with the Games, narrating the animated film for the launch of the mascot – which was designed by a school pupil – is especially significant. Connolly believes that involving young people is key to the success of the Games:

“There is nothing more important than getting young people involved, without the youth of today creating a momentum behind an event, nothing is taken forward. By engaging with children in the design of the mascot, a buzz has been created - you can feel the excitement for the Games already.”

He also believes that Glasgow 2014 will have no problem recruiting up to 15,000 Volunteers required to help stage the Games and that the events right across the city will be attended by droves of eager Glaswegians and Scots.

“Glasgow is a great city of partakers! We love taking part in everything and for something as big as the Commonwealth Games, people will be coming out in their droves to spectate and volunteer, without question Glasgow 2014 will be a huge success.

"Glaswegians and Scots are great people for turning out and offering support to all individuals and teams – it will be no different in 2014.”