We are incredibly lucky to have friends who live just outside Glasgow and we're staying with them for three days, before holidaying on the coast. It's a 15 minute train ride into the city centre each day, but only a few pounds for that. The train to get up there was booked well in advance and cost less than £60 for the family, which is much cheaper than it would have cost to drive. So it's worked out very affordable for us.
Accommodation is the one thing they don't seem to have handled well. We did think about trying to stay in the city, but even back when we bought the tickets, a year ago, there wasn't a room to be had anywhere. We tried several room rental agencies, but they only wanted people willing to pay a full week and when the odd room became available the prices were extraordinary - I think something like £180 per night for a premier inn room and more in others!! The games website was completely useless and simply had a link to the tourist information site. They sent emails just a couple of months ago suggesting people book accommodation in other parts of Scotland (inc the highlands), which is ok for afterwards, but not exactly helpful for during the games themselves. We stayed in a youth hostel in London for the Olympics. The room wasn't any more expensive than it usually is.
I'm really hoping the atmosphere ramps up a bit soon. It all seems a bit quiet down here in England at the moment. Can't wait to get off the train in Glasgow and to feel part of it.
I love the size of the Commonwealth games. It's big enough to feel like a very special event but not as big as the Olympics, so as to feel a bit overwhelming. And having separate home nations teams means that more GB gymnasts can compete.
At least watching remotely you won't feel compelled to buy a Clyde... mine have Mandeville and Wenlock and the pestering will no doubt start pretty much as soon as we arrive
Small price to pay, we are very excited
