Tam's Tall Tales

- Big bang turns into damp squib


Red Road Apartment Blocks, Glasgow









The idea was to start Glasgow's Commonwealth Games with a bang. Several bangs in fact, when five of the iconic Red Road tower blocks in Glasgow would be blown up.

The plan was always going to be controversial. Who else brings in demolition crews at the start of landmark sporting events?

David Grevemberg, the Games chief, bravely tried to put a positive spin ion the initiative.: "By dedicating just a few moments of the opening ceremony to the extraordinary story of Red Road it is our ambition to depict Glasgow as a brave, confident and great city that is confronting the need for change," he writes.

However after a lot of controversy throughout Scotland's media and chattering classes, the decision was reversed on "health and safety" grounds.

The opening ceremony will take place on 23 July. 70 Commonwealth nations will be taking part . The Games will comprise 261 events with 17 sports being represented.







Tam O'Ranter
JMay 2014

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