City prepares to welcome home conquering heroes

Senior News Reporter

Friday 14 September 2012

THE First Minister will toast Scotland's Olympics and Paralympics heroes and heroines today as they are welcomed home after a golden summer of sporting success.

HONOUR: Sir Chris Hoy said he can't wait for the parade.

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MARTIN WILLIAMS

Alex Salmond will host a homecoming reception at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow for the athletes and their record-breaking achievements in London 2012 after a parade through the city.

Scottish athletes won a record-breaking 13 medals at the London Olympics, and 11 medals at the Paralympics.

Most of the Scottish Olympians and Paralympians have already confirmed their attendance for tomorrow including Sir Chris Hoy, who became the most decorated British Olympian of all time by securing another two gold medals at London 2012, surpassing Sir Steve Redgrave's total of five gold medals.Also included among the 50 athletes expected will be rower Katherine Grainger, swimmer Michael Jamieson and Para-lympic cyclists Neil Fachie and Aileen McGlynn.Mr Salmond said: "I'm thoroughly looking forward to joining Scotland's Olympians for the parade which is a fitting way to mark their fantastic achievements. It also gives athletes a welcome opportunity to thank the fans who supported them throughout the Olympics."Sir Chris tweeted yesterday: "Can't wait for the parade in Glasgow tomorrow."However, US Open tennis champion Andy Murray, who won gold and silver, will not be among the 50 athletes expected.A source close to the tennis star said: "He has been on the road for the last four months playing tennis nearly every day and has taken advice to rest."He is gutted he cannot be there but may take part in a celebration for the whole town of Dunblane on Sunday."The parade, consisting of three flatbed lorries containing the athletes, starts at 4.15pm at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, before travelling to George Square, which has a capacity of 17,000 for the event. Conditions are due to remain dry but gusty winds are expected.At George Square, there will be a stage, large screen and entertainment where Team GB members and ParalympicsGB will be invited to engage with the crowd.Mr Salmond, Sports Minister Shona Robison and Sport- Scotland chairwoman Louise Martin and the agency's chief executive Stewart Harris will attend.Two of the athletes – gold medal-winning Tim Baillie and double silver medallist David Florence – will be at The Herald offices to take part in a webcast on Glow TVEdinburgh will host a similar homecoming parade on Sunday. Starting at 2pm, the open-top bus tour will start at the City Chambers on the Royal Mile, before snaking down the Mound towards George Street.Meanwhile, Glasgow's bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games has been formally approved by the city council.The Scottish Government gave its backing to the bid last week and plans will be submitted to the International Olympic Committee next week.Glasgow City Council's executive committee rubber-stamped the plans yesterday and a budget of almost £235 million.Meanwhile, Andy Murray will return to a new home when he comes back to Scotland after his mother Judy spent nearly £1m on a mansion in Bridge of Allan. Ms Murray, who turned 53 last week, moved in to Khyber House, in the affluent upper side of the small town near Stirling.

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City prepares to welcome home conquering heroes

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