The 21st century tartan which will be a defining part of the fabric of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was revealed for the first time today.
And who better to showcase the plaid that will become an international symbol of Scotland’s biggest sporting event than one of the nation’s strongest men – and one of the country’s most passionate kilt-wearers – Gregor Edmunds.
The 6ft 5in and 22-stone muscle man took to the catwalk at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow today (11am, Tuesday 17 April) to exclusively model Glasgow 2014’s fabulous official new tartan. He was cheered by an audience of school pupils and VIPs, including Glasgow 2014’s Games Partners.
The school was chosen as the launch venue as a tribute to the tartan’s teenage designer Aamir Mehmood. Aamir, a 15-year-old Shawlands Academy pupil, beat thousands of young people from across Scotland with his winning design which was created using Glasgow 2014’s brand colours.
Pupils from more than 300 schools across Scotland entered the competition and Aamir’s design was chosen by a six-strong judging panel. His colourful plaid will now be seen by an audience of more than one billion people worldwide in the lead up to and during Glasgow 2014.
In addition to his tartan, Aamir shared the creative inspiration behind his design. He said he incorporated blue, yellow, white and red to represent Scotland’s national colours. In addition he used a green landscape to demonstrate the fact that 75% of Shawlands Academy is bilingual and around 50 different languages are spoken in his school.
As part of his entry he described the design as suggesting that "we should put all conflicts and rivalries aside and celebrate the games being held in Glasgow and Scotland, just as all the different nations will come together in celebration of the Commonwealth Games."
Shawlands Academy has more than1000 pupils and is the most-ethnically diverse secondary school in Scotland.
Today, Aamir said:
"It’s an amazing feeling to know that my design is the official tartan for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It will be seen all around the world and I’m so privileged and proud to be part of this huge sporting event coming to Glasgow and Scotland."
Gregor, the reigning World Highland Games Champion, spoke of his delight at being the first person to wear the new tartan.
He said: "As a proud Scotsman when competing around Scotland and the world, I always wear a kilt and I’ve got to say, that this tartan is one of the best I’ve ever seen!
"The colours and style are so bright and striking, it really is a well thought out and stunning design. Aamir should be incredibly proud that his hard work and ability has been recognised in such a manner"
It is anticipated that the tartan will be used in the lead up to and during Glasgow 2014 and feature in showcase moments such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies,
medal ceremonies, welcome ceremonies for Commonwealth Games Associations
merchandise and gifting.
Lord Smith, Glasgow 2014 Chair explained the reasons behind choosing Aamir’s design:
"It really is a wonderful tartan, it is recognisably ‘Glasgow 2014’, showcasing all the brand colours and I really believe the design highlights what the Games will be like for everyone involved when they are here in 2014, the tartan is stylish, genuine, passionate and fun.
"Aamir has shown tremendous ability and effort in designing The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan, he’s immensely proud to be involved in this historic moment for the whole of Scotland and we are delighted to have reached another milestone in our journey to Glasgow 2014."
Special guests and Glasgow 2014 Games Partners were in attendance at the launch, which also included presentations from a number of sporting stars at the Academy and also a special performance focusing on Glasgow 2014’s Pictograms from drama students currently studying at Shawlands Academy.
Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport
"Scotland already has an enviable global reputation for creativity and The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan is another great way to showcase the artistic talents of youngsters in Scotland.
"I would like to congratulate Aamir on his eye-catching winning entry and I look forward to it being used as The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan, giving the Games a uniquely Scottish identity."
Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council said:
"This is a wonderful achievement for Aamir and what an honour for Shawlands Academy and our city. I know that everyone is really proud of him today. The Glasgow 2014 Games will be an amazing event and the The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan, designed by a Glaswegian, will be an added legacy for many years to come.
"As from today, the The Official Glasgow 2014 Tartan will sit proud alongside the Glasgow tartan and historic plaids from around the world."
Michael Cavanagh, Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland said:
"It is fantastic that this new tartan has been created to help celebrate the Glasgow 2014 Games and as a member of the judging panel, what struck me most was the impressive cultural insight and creative thinking behind it. Many congratulations to Aamir and Shawlands Academy."
For more information, please contact:matthew.williams@glasgow2014.com
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