The Finnie Diaries | Don't You Forget About Me
Wow… just like that, the Games are over.
After a few days of much-needed rest, plenty of snacks and a few extra sparkly naps, I've finally had time to look back on the most magical few weeks of my life.
What an adventure it's been.
From welcoming athletes from across the Commonwealth, to dancing with thousands of people, making new friends everywhere I went and watching Glasgow shine on the world stage… I don't think this unicorn's heart has ever been so full.
So, before I trot off into my next adventure, let's look back at one final chapter together…
The final countdown
After my last diary entry at the end of June, the countdown to the Games was well and truly on.
I travelled to London, where I met HRH The Prince of Wales during a school visit with Team Wales athletes. I even taught him my secret Finnie handshake, which means he's officially in my Best Friend Club!
Back in Glasgow, I visited the Gallery of Modern Art to see the unveiling of Glasgow 2026 Artist in Residence Ben Mosley's first Games-inspired artwork alongside some wonderfully creative young people from Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
I also loved visiting the SAMH Nook as Glasgow 2026 became the first major sporting event to sign Scotland's Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport. It was a lovely reminder that looking after ourselves is just as important as chasing our dreams.
There were plenty more adventures squeezed in too. I met the police horses helping to keep Glasgow safe during Games time, visited the Team Scotland camp, sports clubs, hospitals, gala days, festivals and community events, adding many more members to my Best Friend Club along the way!
And before I knew it, the athletes were arriving; Games week was upon us!
A few days before the Opening Ceremony, I was at Glasgow Airport to welcome competitors from across the Commonwealth. It was so magical to see their happy faces arriving in MY city – I just knew we were about to have the best Games ever!
Then, exactly one year after I was unveiled to the world, on top of the Finnieston Crane, I was back, just across the road at the Hydro, for the Opening Ceremony. I was honoured to be part of the pre-show celebrations – I even got a giant bear hug from none other than Grado! I then had the pleasure of sitting back to enjoy a spectacular show. The performers were mesmerising, the dancers timed to perfection and the vibes - magnificently sparkly. For me, it was the most magical way to celebrate my first birthday as Glasgow 2026's mascot.
The most magical 11 days
How do you sum up the best 11 days ever?
Every day brought a new adventure. One minute I was cheering on athletes at the Netball, Para Powerlifting, Track Cycling or Athletics, and the next I was leading dance parties at the Game On Live Site, meeting visitors from all over the Commonwealth in the city.
The Live Site quickly became one of my favourite places to be. Every day was filled with music, dancing, selfies and smiles, with hundreds of people joining in the Finnie dance party. We even had an unforgettable singalong to 500 Miles and, somehow, a Finnie rave!
I also discovered I'm probably not destined to become a hammer throw champion... although I gave it my best shot!
There were so many unforgettable moments. From dancing with the ‘Mop Man’ and playing a bright pink inflatable saxophone at the Hydro to getting the crowds bouncing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Scotstoun Stadium and watching Jamaica's historic netball victory.
And perhaps most exciting of all, meeting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Three more Best Friend Club members!
But my favourite memories weren't just about the sport.
They were the hugs from the young people I'd met during school visits, the volunteers who danced with me after long shifts, the athletes who stopped for a wave and everyone who came together to celebrate what made Glasgow 2026 so special.
The luckiest unicorn in the world
When I started writing these diaries back in January, I never imagined where this adventure would take me.
Over the last year I've visited hundreds of schools, travelled across Scotland and beyond, tried countless sports, met future champions, artists, teachers, volunteers, families and friends from every corner of the Commonwealth.
I've danced, laughed, learned and made memories that will stay with me forever.
My Christmas card list just keeps getting longer!
The Closing Ceremony was the perfect ending – a celebration of everything we'd achieved together and a chance to wish our friends in Amdavad all the very best as they begin their journey to 2030.
I do wonder if they might need a sparkly unicorn…?
As the fireworks lit up the Glasgow sky one last time, I realised something… The Games might be over, but the magic isn't.
It's in every child inspired to try a new sport. Every volunteer who gave their time. Every athlete who chased a dream. Every friendship that was made.
So, this isn't really goodbye.
It's simply... until next time.
Thank you for following my adventures. Thank you for every hug, every wave, every selfie and every smile.
Most of all, thank you for believing in a little bit of unicorn magic.
And if you ever think you spot a flash of pink and purple hair, the tip of a traffic cone horn or a sprinkle of glitter… it might just be me.
Until we meet again.
Don't you forget about me.
Love, Finnie 🦄💜✨
