I think it’s fair to say that 2014 was the year that the world took notice of Scotland. The Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, as well as the MTV EMAs and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, put the entertainment spotlight firmly on the country – while the referendum showcased a nation with a newly revitalised hunger for political involvement and activity.
The country made its voice heard on all fronts. As we get ready to welcome the New Year, there’s plenty to reminisce over, much of which will continue to impact the country in 2015 and beyond.
The hype around the big sporting events began to build early in the year. By the time the Commonwealth Games descended on Glasgow, bringing with it hundreds of thousands of visitors over its 11-day stay, the excitement was palpable. Tea cakes, Scottie dogs, ground-breaking kisses and real-life sunshine aside, the so-called ‘best Games ever’ showed Glasgow – and the rest of the country – at its best.
The much-lauded Games legacy is already a reality and is set to live on. Team Scotland’s record medal haul, and an almost £200 million investment in sporting facilities in Glasgow, will go a long way to encourage a new generation of Scottish sporting talent. Businesses across the country also benefited. SMEs, which traditionally find it difficult to access public sector contracts, were given assistance and advice via special Scottish Enterprise and Cooperative Development workshops.
By June 2014 £290 million-worth of Tier 1 Games related contracts (of which there were £407 million) were awarded to Scottish companies. And the potential to attract more business, through more events, is limitless.
Same goes for the Ryder Cup. Could you buy a better advert for Scotland than Gleneagles, and its magnificent setting, basking in sunshine? If you could, I’m sure it’d cost a pretty penny. Again, financial gains were positive. The economic impact of the event is estimated at £100 million. Scottish food and drink came out on top as well, as the best of produce was served across the event… no bad thing as we enter Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.
Referendum fever built slowly as Scotland’s summer of sport took centre stage, thankfully never overshadowing or politicising them as it easily could have. By September, unforgettable scenes unfolded in Glasgow. Who can forget Ed Milliband and co being chased from Glasgow Central to Buchanan Street by an avid supporter of independence, in a rickshaw, to the strains of Star Wars’ Imperial Death March?
However, these comical moments served to draw the attention to the more serious question. The prevalence of social media brought a fervent political debate to the wider world. The country and everyone outside whose attention had been captured waited with bated breath as the polls closed on 18 September. The result may have been as many predicted, but nobody ever thought it would be as close. During the course of the campaign, vows were made – and publicly signed. Only the dawning of a New Year will bring to light the long-term impact, for voters, businesses and politicians … particularly as we approach the general election. I’ll be watching with interest.
One thing is for certain. Regardless of the outcome of any vote, Scotland has made its mark on the world, and it could be the sign of a brighter future to come.
What more could you ask for during the country’s Year of Homecoming?
The Spirit of Scotland
2014 has been a memorable year for all. Whether your interests are political, sporting, or otherwise, this year has been one that will go down in history.
And as the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the changing face of Scotland, its people, and its businesses.
The summer months brought the country together to celebrate our talent in hosting large-scale events. You walked down the street in Glasgow, high-fiving anyone you passed.
The country unified, businesses expanded and Scottish pride had never been greater.
Then September came, and the country divided into two halves – almost equal, as it turned out. Business threatened closure or re-location. Jobs were uncertain. Our beloved country would never be the same again.
But as we come closer to 2015, scenes of true Scotsman-ship have come to the fore once again.
I recently commented on the success of Social Bite’s incredible campaign to offer Christmas dinner to the homeless, which saw over 7,000 meals purchased within ten hours of the campaign going live. Just days before Christmas, the total was more than 20,000.
Just as recently, well-known Edinburgh charity collector, Thomas Gilzean, was presented with the 2014 Edinburgh Award for his fundraising efforts at the age of 94.
Mr Gilzean has raised more than £100,000 for charity, not only demonstrating his commitment to the cause; but also the compassion of the people and visitors who grace our beautiful country.
These acts of kindness, by both organisers and the overwhelming number of Scots who get involved, are just a handful of examples of how our nation is stronger than ever. And in uncertain times, I hope that this continues into 2015 and beyond.
It Made Me Laugh: A Royal Glitch
There have been laughs a-plenty in 2014, so it’s been difficult to decide what my favourite hilarity-inducing moment has been.
There have been comical advancements in environmental management – including the “poo-bus”, powered entirely by human waste.
Countless viral videos, dominated by charity stunts such as the ice-bucket challenge, have dominated social media, as has the beard. If you haven’t seen the appropriately seasonal ‘Beard Bauble’ you’re in for a treat.
However, one of my top moments comes from the Games once again – that priceless moment where the Queen and Chris Hoy shared a giggle over Prince Imran being unable to open the baton.
Showing the great humour of the Scots once again – and Sir Chris’s face was a picture.
It Made Me Weep: A City in Mourning
Last week – just three days before Christmas – Glasgow came to a standstill. The whole city was brought together in grief at the tragic news of a council bin vehicle crashing into a hotel on George Square.
To think of all the poor families that suffered such an unexpected loss is unbearable, but the strength of the Scots was once again conveyed to the world as crowds came together in memory of those who so suddenly lost their lives. Those on the scene were quick to offer help where they could, as they did during last year’s tragic incident at the Clutha bar.
The whole of Scotland has been humbled by the scenes in George Square, but at this terrible time, it reinforces the strength in our wee nation that has shone through in the past year.
People most definitely do make Glasgow.
