SCOTLAND has unveiled a set of giant Olympic rings as it prepares for its role in the 2012 Games.

The three-tonne structure went up in George Square in Glasgow yesterday – just over a week before the Olympic torch comes to Scotland. Giant sets of Olympic rings are being installed at sites across the UK as a backdrop to the Games, and at 16ft high and 33ft long, the set being used in Glasgow is the biggest.

The city was given a £270,000 grant by the Government Olympic Executive to prepare for hosting football events.

Eight Olympic football matches will be held at Hampden Park in July and August.

The money, earmarked for helping Glasgow spruce up for its role as host, has also been spent on more than 20,000ft of bunting and almost 700 banners and flags.

Picture: Marc Turner