Iconic Scottish mascot Clyde has ruled himself out of the running to be the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot – ending months of speculation and breaking a few fans’ hearts in the process.

But Clyde, the much-loved face of Glasgow 2014, has assured fans he’s not hanging up the spikes just yet and will find a new – still to be announced – role next summer.

Speaking at a press conference, Clyde – still looking sprightly in his Team Scotland tracksuit, athletics spikes and with trademark grin and prickly purple hair – delivered the news in true showman style. Reading from a heartfelt statement on his behalf, a Glasgow 2026 spokesperson confirmed Clyde’s decision to welcome a new face to lead the next exciting chapter in Glasgow, and the Commonwealth’s sporting history.

The statement read:

 

“Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow and Scotland have ever seen. “To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for. “So for this very reason – and with a heart full of excitement for what’s about to come – that I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026.”

But fans needn’t worry, as Clyde, as Scotland’s favourite incarnation of the national flower – who earlier this year welcomed mascots Borobi, of Gold Coast 2018, and Perry, of Birmingham 2022, to Glasgow and took them on a tour of the city – hinted he’ll still have a role to play next summer, and that he’s been working closely with the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, adding: “Something magical is coming your way…and I know you’re going to love it.”

The new Glasgow 2026 mascot will be revealed on 23 July to mark one year to go until the Games officially begin. 

The new mascot – whose top-secret identity remains firmly under wraps – has been created by the Glasgow 2026 Mascot Makers, a team of 76 schoolchildren from 24 Glasgow schools. In collaboration with the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, Glasgow City Council, Impact Arts and creative agency 999, the Mascot Makers created a character who will become an icon of the Games, full of Glasgow’s signature warmth, wit and charm.

Insiders say the new character will be ‘a sensation’ and ‘bursting with personality and sparkle’ – but for now, details on the name, shape, or species are being kept firmly behind closed doors. 

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “Clyde is loved by everybody in the Commonwealth Games community, from the team, fans and athletes to the wider public for his friendly face, his energy and his pride in Scotland. He’s given many years of tireless service and will be a tough act to follow, but we know our brilliant new mascot will add magic and sparkle to the Games and win a new generation of hearts across Glasgow, Scotland and around the world. 

“Imagined by the young people of Glasgow to shine on the world stage, this new character captures everything Glasgow 2026 is about – fun, inclusion, pride and progress. We can’t wait to unveil them to the world later this month.

“We’re excited that Clyde will have a role to play at Glasgow 2026, and can’t wait to share what it is!” 

Clyde’s Statement in Full:

“Friends, fellow Glaswegians, distinguished members of the press. I come before you today to address the recent – and flattering – speculation around my involvement in next summer’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. To know that after all these years, I still hold such a place in the heart of this city and in the heart of Scotland, is a far greater honour than a simple thistle could ever ask for. 

“Back in 2014, I was honoured to play a part in one of the greatest sporting summers Glasgow has ever seen. Being called upon to represent my home, to see our city come to life with the spirit of the Games and to welcome the world with open arms and show what true Glaswegian hospitality is all about created memories that to this day send goosebumps up my stems. 

“And the journey didn’t stop there - I was lucky enough to carry that same spirit all the way to Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022, proudly representing Team Scotland and spreading the joy of The Games far and wide.

“So for this very reason, it’s with a full heart and excitement about what’s to come that I officially rule myself out of the running to be the mascot for Glasgow 2026.

“Nothing will give me more joy than seeing this once-in-a-lifetime privilege passed on to the next generation of young Scottish mascots. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the wonderful people behind the scenes, and – without giving away too much – I’m so excited about this next chapter in Glasgow’s association with the famous Commonwealth Games.

“I will have a part to play in Glasgow 2026, with more to be revealed soon, but what I can say for now is that Glasgow, something magical is coming your way and I know you’re going to love it.”