Clyde the Thistle rules out return to mascot duties for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Clyde the Thistle has ruled himself out of returning for the 2026 Commonwealth games in Glasgow in a tongue-in-cheek press conference.

A spokesperson for the Scottish mascot, who featured throughout the 2014 Games, announced Clyde’s departure at Glasgow’s Social Hub – however they said he will still have a role to play in next year’s sporting event.

Created by Cumbernauld schoolgirl Beth Gilmour, 12, who won a children’s competition to design the mascot, Clyde featured throughout the 2014 Games.

The Clyde trail saw 25 statues of the mascot placed throughout Glasgow and over 50,000 cuddly toys of Clyde were sold.

Clyde was the first non-animal mascot chosen for a Commonwealth Games.

The statement read: “Friends, fellow Glaswegians and distinguished members of the press – I come before you today around my involvement in next summer’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. It has such a place in the heart of this city and in Scotland.

“It was a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for; one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow ever seen.

“Without giving away too much, I’m so excited about this next chapter in Glasgow’s association with the famous Commonwealth Games.

“I will have a part to play in Glasgow 2026 with more to be revealed soon and I know you’re going to love it.”

Glasgow was announced as the Games host for the second time last year after the original host, the Australian state of Victoria, was forced to withdraw.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2 next year.