Laws targeting illegal ticket touts at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 are to be formalised by the Scottish Government, it was announced last week.

Touts will be hit with fines of up to £5000 if they target the Games, which Glasgow will be hosting in 2014. Anyone selling tickets above their face value could face the large fines.

Unauthorised advertising near official venues will also be punished with higher fines of up to £20,000.

The laws are designed to shield the event from "ambush marketing" and to give the government new powers on land purchase and transport. The government defended its actions on the grounds that "ambush marketing" was a serious threat to corporate sponsorship of the Games.

Glasgow was recently chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, beating its rival Abuja, capital of Nigeria, by 46 votes to 24.

The First Minister, Alex Salmond said: "We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen."

Hundreds of well wishers had gathered in Glasgow's George Square to hear the result of the vote.

The Scottish Executive has been told by the Commonwealth Games Federation that all legislation related to the Games must be passed by 2010.