Glasgow 2014: Thousands of troops to secure Games
About 2,400 members of the armed forces are to help provide security for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said 900 personnel would be kept on standby to help if necessary. The Black Watch, the 3rd battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, will be among the troops used. It follows a call from Sports Minister Shona Robison for Scottish soldiers to have a role. The MoD also said the Red Arrows would perform at the Games opening ceremony. Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Carter, the Standing Joint Commander (United Kingdom), said: "We are ready to assist in whatever contingencies may arise and have done so during the 2012 Olympics and more recently during the floods crisis. 'Niche capabilities' "We are extremely proud to be able to provide support to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as part of a task that reflects the flexibility, capability and adaptability of our armed forces." The armed forces will provide "specialist niche capabilities" such as bomb disposal and air security measures. About 900 staff will be provided by the Army, with just under 300 each from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It is expected that hundreds of Reserves will take part in the deployment. The MoD said the support was being provided at the request of Police Scotland and has been approved by the Home Office. It said the UK Government would fully fund the military contribution with no costs being incurred by Police Scotland.