Thistle mascot Clyde to return for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Thistle mascot Clyde is to make his return 12 years after he last took part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The purple-haired character has been named the official Team Scotland mascot for Glasgow 2026 which takes place in July.

Clyde, who was designed by then 12-year-old Beth Gilmour, proved popular with visitors during Glasgow 2014 and met thousands of people, including the then-Duchess of Cambridge.

Visitors could also spot 25 life-size fibreglass statues of the mascot which were spread around the city as part of Clyde’s Trail.

While Clyde has been named Team Scotland’s official mascot, Finnie the unicorn is the official mascot for Glasgow 2026.

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland’s Chef de Mission, added: “Clyde isn’t just a mascot, he’s part of Scotland’s sporting story.

“It’s so exciting to have such a loved member of the team returning to Glasgow and he’ll be a great supporter for Team Scotland.”

Clyde will be back in action this summer PA Media

Clyde has been involved in Commonwealth Games events elsewhere in the UK and abroad in recent years, carrying Scotland’s colours to the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022.

This year, as well as cheering on Team Scotland, the mascot will host The Clyde Club at Team Scotland House which is situated at The Corinthian Club in Glasgow.

This will be open to everyone from July 21 to August 2 and will be a place where people can watch the games, meet Clyde and athletes and enjoy family-friendly activities.

The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2 – 12 years after they were last held in Glasgow.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete across 10 sports and six Para sports at the event.