Livingston James Director Douglas Adam attended the Glasgow 2026 celebratory dinner and ceilidh, reflecting on a year of remarkable progress, high-performing leadership and global excitement for a reimagined, ambitious and inclusive Commonwealth Games.
Last week, I had the pleasure and privilege to attend the Glasgow 2026 celebratory dinner and ceilidh. An evening that brought together representatives from 74 nations and territories, it was a powerful reminder of how far the Games have come in just twelve months. The energy in the room, the conversations and even the spirited Dashing White Sergeant and Gay Gordons, to mention just two!, painted a picture of a global community excited for what lies ahead.
It feels extraordinary to think that only a year ago we were in the midst of recruiting the Executive Team responsible for delivering a reimagined 2026 Commonwealth Games, within the shortest timescales in Games history. Those weeks involved long days, tight deadlines and a deep belief in the art of the possible. Hearing during the event that the team is now operating as a cohesive, high-performing unit, with overall staff numbers exceeding 120, was incredibly rewarding. It also reinforced the impact that focused recruitment, shared purpose and decisive leadership can make when the stakes are high.
Throughout the evening, I had the pleasure to speak with representatives from a wide range of Commonwealth nations and what came through consistently was a genuine sense of gratitude and admiration for Glasgow’s willingness to step forward at short notice when Victoria withdrew. There was clear appreciation for Scotland’s commitment to deliver a Games that is both ambitious and reimagined, alongside positive feedback regarding the four core venues that will anchor the Games. The excitement was matched by confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver, a sentiment that was felt strongly across the room and one that will stay with me.
At the time of the event, there were 242 days until the Opening Ceremony, Chief Executive Phil Batty reflected during the evening on the crucial role of partners, stakeholders and supporters who have helped shape the journey so far. Volunteer interest has been exceptionally high, tickets are selling fast and momentum behind the Games continues to build. If you had asked me twelve months ago whether we would be in this position today, I would have said it felt bold but absolutely worth striving for!
Of course, there is still much to do, but the progress to date has been driven by strong and visionary leadership, a willingness to do things differently and the strengthening of bonds both within Scotland and across the Commonwealth. The determination to deliver a Scottish-led, athlete-centred and spectator-focused Games was evident in every conversation – offering lessons that can inspire businesses across all sectors on the value of clear purpose, collaborative leadership and bold, innovative thinking.
With Ahmedabad confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games and several nations already expressing interest in staging the 2034 edition, the future of the Commonwealth Games appears to be in safe hands. For now, the 2026 Organising Committee continues to set the pace reimagining what a modern, inclusive and globally connected Games can be.
It has been a privilege to play a role in shaping its leadership and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold with pride and admiration.
PS: I also got to meet Finnie, the official mascot, who was created in partnership with school children from across Glasgow
For more information and leadership support in your own organisation, please contact Douglas Adam: [email protected]
Reflections on Glasgow 2026: A Year of Progress, Purpose and Pride
Livingston James Director Douglas Adam attended the Glasgow 2026 celebratory dinner and ceilidh, reflecting on a year of remarkable progress, high-performing leadership and global excitement for a reimagined, ambitious and inclusive Commonwealth Games.
Last week, I had the pleasure and privilege to attend the Glasgow 2026 celebratory dinner and ceilidh. An evening that brought together representatives from 74 nations and territories, it was a powerful reminder of how far the Games have come in just twelve months. The energy in the room, the conversations and even the spirited Dashing White Sergeant and Gay Gordons, to mention just two!, painted a picture of a global community excited for what lies ahead.
It feels extraordinary to think that only a year ago we were in the midst of recruiting the Executive Team responsible for delivering a reimagined 2026 Commonwealth Games, within the shortest timescales in Games history. Those weeks involved long days, tight deadlines and a deep belief in the art of the possible. Hearing during the event that the team is now operating as a cohesive, high-performing unit, with overall staff numbers exceeding 120, was incredibly rewarding. It also reinforced the impact that focused recruitment, shared purpose and decisive leadership can make when the stakes are high.
Throughout the evening, I had the pleasure to speak with representatives from a wide range of Commonwealth nations and what came through consistently was a genuine sense of gratitude and admiration for Glasgow’s willingness to step forward at short notice when Victoria withdrew. There was clear appreciation for Scotland’s commitment to deliver a Games that is both ambitious and reimagined, alongside positive feedback regarding the four core venues that will anchor the Games. The excitement was matched by confidence in Glasgow’s ability to deliver, a sentiment that was felt strongly across the room and one that will stay with me.
At the time of the event, there were 242 days until the Opening Ceremony, Chief Executive Phil Batty reflected during the evening on the crucial role of partners, stakeholders and supporters who have helped shape the journey so far. Volunteer interest has been exceptionally high, tickets are selling fast and momentum behind the Games continues to build. If you had asked me twelve months ago whether we would be in this position today, I would have said it felt bold but absolutely worth striving for!
Of course, there is still much to do, but the progress to date has been driven by strong and visionary leadership, a willingness to do things differently and the strengthening of bonds both within Scotland and across the Commonwealth. The determination to deliver a Scottish-led, athlete-centred and spectator-focused Games was evident in every conversation – offering lessons that can inspire businesses across all sectors on the value of clear purpose, collaborative leadership and bold, innovative thinking.
With Ahmedabad confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games and several nations already expressing interest in staging the 2034 edition, the future of the Commonwealth Games appears to be in safe hands. For now, the 2026 Organising Committee continues to set the pace reimagining what a modern, inclusive and globally connected Games can be.
It has been a privilege to play a role in shaping its leadership and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold with pride and admiration.
PS: I also got to meet Finnie, the official mascot, who was created in partnership with school children from across Glasgow
For more information and leadership support in your own organisation, please contact Douglas Adam: [email protected]
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