Impressive Olympic Parade in Glasgow

Glasgow did the Olympic and Paralympic athletes proud! The crowds turn out in their thousands. People did a Glasgow traditional ‘window hing’ and the sun shone on their parade. An estimated 17000 packed George Square and everyone had a good time.

Here are some of the first pictures as the parade approached Charing Cross before heading to George Square where First Minister Alex Salmond awaited them.  He then took them to a reception at the Old Furitmarket.  He said: ‘These Games were good and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be even better. But London Olympics has set the bar high indeed. We hope to do even better.’

At the start of the parade from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum around 4pm today (Friday 14 September 2012) Sir Chris Hoy said: ‘Thank you for this support not just today but throughout the Games. It has been a special summer for sport.’

Among the medalists on parade were: Sir Chris Hoy,  cycling double gold; Katherine Grainger, rower, gold; Neil Fachie, paracyclist, gold.  Scott Brash, equestrian, gold; Michael Jamieson, swimmer, silver; Aileen McGlynn, cyclist, silver; Luke Patience, sailing, silver.

A ‘very proud’ Helen MacKenzie and her friend Kathleen Westwood had travelled from Kirkcaldy to wave their flags and cheer on the Olympians. Said Helen: ‘This has been fantastic for Britain. We just wanted to show the athletes how much we support them.’ Added Kathleen: ‘We’ve spent the whole summer glued to the Olympics and Paralympics. It has been wonderful and we wanted to share the success.’

And local Lanarkshire family David and Gillian Haggart and their daughters Lindsey (6) and Emily (3) were there to cheer on the Olympians.

Said curler Gillian: ‘We watched it on TV and went to London last weekend and watched the games in Trafalgar Square on the big screens.’ Added David: ‘We’re here to day because this is a once in a lifetime event and we won’t get the chance to do this again.’