Sports Minister Shona Robison has said she is confident that the whole of Scotland will share in the legacy of Glasgow 2014.
Speaking exclusively to the Herald and Evening Times, Ms Robison said the sporting, economic and community legacy left by the Games was already starting to be delivered, and praised communities in the East End for embracing every aspect of the Games.
"Support for Glasgow 2014 from people living in the East End has been amazing," she said. The most recent figures show that East End support is even higher than the average for Glasgow, which is fantastic.
"The people can see the changes happening before their eyes. They talk to friends, family member and neighbours in their communities who got jobs or apprenticeships because of the Games.
"The Games has been a massive catalyst for change in the area and we need to make sure that we succeed. Gone are the days when governments could justify hugely expensive white elephant projects to the people - we must prove the legacy benefits to the people of Scotland."
Ms Robison said developments such as the Athletes Village in Dalmarnock had the potential to bring lasting change to area, as well as playing an important role in the Games themselves.
She said: "As well as the existing new housing that the Athletes Village will provide, there are further opportunities for more housing, thus creating a whole new community. There's a real expectation that people who moved out of the east end after growing up there will want to move back with their own children. The construction at the village is of an extremely high quality."
As for the sporting legacy of the Games, Ms Robison said the whole country will have the opportunity to become more active.
"The sporting benefits in Glasgow are clear to see at venues like the Emirates Arena and Tollcross Pool," she said. "But we need to make sure that the rest of Scotland benefits too, which is why we've funded 150 community sports hubs up and down the country. The hub might be a local school or a community centre, but we're making sure each is as flexible as possible. Our Active Places Fund is also making a huge difference.
"I want every person in Scotland to be able to look in their own community and see a project that would not have happened were it not for the Commonwealth Games. That will be a legacy for everyone."
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