THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games will provide a "Pride House" throughout the event in a bid to tackle homophobia in sport.

It is hoped the venue will offer a welcoming place for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to enjoy the Games, while helping to address any gender-equality issues.

The Pride House will be funded by the Scottish Government with support from the National Lottery.

The Minister for Sport and Equality, Shona Robison, said: "Scotland is already a world leader on LGBT equality and to further boost these credentials the Scottish Government is providing £25,000 to support Pride House during Games time.

"Through a programme of partner events and activities … Pride House will provide a warm welcome to Scotland's LGBT community and ­visitors from near and far during Games time as well as creating a legacy for the future."

Glasgow City Council will provide the location for the Pride House on the city's Albion Street, while the service will be administered by LEAP Sports Scotland, which encourages LGBT people top take part in sport.

Hugh Torrance, chair of LEAP, said: "Pride House is an important addition to the Glasgow 2014 programme, and will offer a programme of inclusive sport, cultural and social events, with a number of partners and collaborators already lining up to take part.

"It has already been a historic year for LGBT equality in Scotland, and the support of the Scottish Government sends an important message about our country's commitment to equality in sport."

The Pride House will also hold information and advice about the wider events programme in 2014 for LGBT visitors to Scotland, including activities around Homecoming Scotland.

A volunteer programme for the Pride House is due to open by early spring.

The announcement comes as a YouGov poll found one in six LGBT Scots face discrimination while accessing public services.

The study also claimed 10% had experienced discrimination from their GP, while a third admitted they would be uncomfortable reporting hate crime to police.