Stoked Scots thank Dan for the Commonwealth Games

From shoppers to businessmen to students, Scottish people have personally thanked Dan Andrews for giving them the chance to host one of the world’s most-renowned sporting events – for free.

The Scots famously love a bargain – and Dan Andrews has certainly delivered them one.

And Glaswegians are rightly stoked that our hard earned taxes have given them the chance to host one of the world’s most renowned sporting events – for free.

After more than $200m of Victorian taxpayer dollars was handed over to Scotland to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Herald Sun took to the streets of Scotland’s most populated city.

Locals – from shoppers to businessmen to students – personally thanked Mr Andrews for gifting their city the sporting spectacle after they recognised a life-sized cut-out of the kilt-wearing former Premier.

A cardboard cut-out of Dan Andrews in Glasgow. Picture: Supplied

Some said they knew him from his decision to sensationally tear up the state’s contract to host the sporting spectacle, while others recalled him as being the leader who presided over one of the world’s longest and harshest lockdowns.

Mr Andrews made international headlines in July 2023 after he blindsided the Commonwealth Games Federation by spectacularly pulling out as host city for the 2026 event, claiming the initial $2.6bn budget had blown out to between $6 and $7bn.

Nui Te Koha with the Dan Andrews cut-out in Glasgow. Picture: Supplied

After months of uncertainty and fears that the competition could be in serious danger of becoming extinct, the Scottish government last month gave Glasgow final approval to save the Games.

Mr Andrews’ decision to break his own contract cost taxpayers a whopping $380m, which was then given to the Commonwealth Games Federation and the local arm of the sporting body – Commonwealth Games Australia – as a form of compensation.

Those organisations funnelled almost $205m into the Scottish event, meaning Victorians effectively coughed up a huge percentage of the budget needed to host an event on the other side of the world.

From the bustling Central Station to the stylish district of Merchant City, the message from locals was clear. Picture: Supplied

And it’s clear Glaswegians are thankful for it.

From the bustling Central Station to the stylish district of Merchant City, the message from locals was clear.

“Thank you Dan, thank you Victoria,” said Scottish shoppers Mary and Elizabeth.

The two women told this masthead they were stoked to be the home city for the 2026 event, which will be a reduced program consisting of just 10 sports.

Glaswegians have thanked Dan for the Games. Picture: Supplied

“We’re really excited about the opportunity and happy to welcome people to our city,” Mary said.

Elizabeth added: “It’s brought the city together. It’s given the place a real buzz. People are really excited to have something actually in Scotland, rather than us having to travel elsewhere.”

Another man said the economic boon of the event would be great for the city.

“Quite a number of people are going to visit the city. That’s bringing foreign income into the city,” he said.

Originally published as Stoked Scots thank Dan for the Commonwealth Games