Scotland to emulate Indian Games experience in 2014

Taking a leaf out of the Indian experience, Scotland — the host of the next Commonwealth Games in 2014 — is all set to stage a similar "spectacular opening ceremony" at Glasgow. In New Delhi to participate in the Games, Scotland is not missing any opportunity to push hard business, economic, energy
and educational ties with India.

"The opening ceremony was spectacular," Alex Salmond, the first minister and head of the devolved Scottish Government said.

"We haven't made any plans for training facility for the athletes at the Games Village in Scotland. However, the Games Village here has it. So, we will try to have it in Glasgow as well," Salmond told HT.

Salmond said the Glasgow Games Village is planned as a pure residential area.

However, he said, since 70 per cent of the infrastructure is already there, there shouldn't be any delay in executing various projects.

Salmond is here to take part in the Games besides forging closer ties with India in various areas - from renewable energy to business and educational partnerships.

"Energy cooperation, especially in the renewable sector can be big. India has such a long coastline," he said.

Scotland has barely a quarter of Europe's offshore wind tidal energy.

An estimated 206 gigawatt of practical offshore wind, wave and tidal resources contribute 40 per cent of the total energy resources of UK, he said.

Salmond is set to meet Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah on Thursday.

So far, 16 major Scotland companies are operating in India, while 11 Indian big firms have their offices there.

"But the effort is to have more joint ventures and partnerships before the next Commonwealth Games" the minister said.