COMM AGAIN?

Venues already in place and windfall for the economy | Stripped-down from 2014 but critics call it vanity project

- CHRIS MCCALL

THE Commonwealth Games is tipped to make a surprise return to Glasgow as organisers struggle to find a host for the next event in 2026.

Speculation is mounting that a scaled-back version of the sporting extravaganza will be held in Scotland's largest city in two years' time after the original host, Victoria in Australia, pulled out due to soaring costs.

Games insiders said last night that discussions between key stakeholders were continuing and insisted that no final agreement had been reached.

But Glasgow remains in pole position due to the city's extensive sporting infrastructure and track record of hosting international events.

The 2026 Games is likely to feature fewer sports than previous meetings in a bid to save cash.

The last Commonwealth Games staged in Glasgow in 2014 cost £534million and saw significant investment in new sporting facilities across the city, including a purpose-built athletes' village in Dalmarnock.

Ian Reid, chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, has previously claimed a slimmed-down Games could be organised for about £150million.

It would rely entirely on existing sports venues such as Scotstoun athletics stadium, Tollcross Swimming Pool and the Emirates Arena, which includes the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

Athletes would either be housed in hotels or student accommodation, as the Dalmarnock village built in 2014 has since been sold off.

Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney said the return of the Games would be a "great opportunity".