Congratulations have been pouring in from across Scotland and the United Kingdom in response to Glasgow’s success in being awarded the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Jubilation greeted the announcement from the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Friday 9 November, that Glasgow would play host to the third largest sporting event in the world.

As news of the victory flashed across screens erected in the city’s Old Fruitmarket, politicians of all persuasions celebrated together. Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie, former Labour First Minister Jack McConnell, and SNP Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon danced to The Proclaimers’ '500 Miles' in front of thousands of assembled revellers.

Meanwhile, the athletes and politicians who had travelled to Colombo to lobby for the Scottish bid and hear the announcement in person, were led in celebration by First Minister Alex Salmond.

“We will make these games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen. They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland,” said the Scottish government leader.

Speaking on the economic rewards expected from the games, Bid Director Derek Casey said: “Around 1,700 jobs will be created, 1,200 from the games themselves and the rest from the building of roads, railways and hotels. Obviously some of those jobs will be outside the city.”

Pointing out the benefits in terms of increased visitor numbers, Mr Casey continued by saying: “Overall, Scotland is predicted to see a 4 per cent increase in tourism because of the games.”

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, VisitScotland’s Area Director for Edinburgh, Ben Carter, confirmed Mr Casey’s statement. He said: “Around 50 per cent of all overseas visitors include a trip to Edinburgh during their stay in Scotland, so it is likely that many visitors to the games will extend their stay to include a visit to Edinburgh.

“The capital will undoubtedly benefit from the international exposure of the games. We can use the games as a draw card, while opening the window to a range of opportunities, like Edinburgh’s summer festivals."

The Glasgow 2014 games will see events take place at Glasgow’s landmark sporting and cultural venues, with Hampden Park transformed to accommodate athletics, Rangers’ home at Ibrox hosting rugby sevens, lawn bowls being played at the historic Kelvingrove Park, and the opening and closing ceremonies unfolding at Celtic Park.

Other regions of Scotland will also be included in the sporting festivities; Motherwell’s Strathclyde Country Park will play host to the triathlon, with shooting events planned for a Ministry of Defence rifle range in Angus, and the diving competition to be held at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Conservative estimates put the figure for revenue generated by the eleven-day event at £81 million, with some £55 million made outside of Glasgow.

The £36 million redevelopment of the Commonwealth Pool will see it upgraded to full international standards in both swimming and diving facilities; however, spiralling costs have seen a funding gap of some £17 million open up, with only £4 million being pledged by the Scottish government.

Labour Councillor Paul Godzik, of Meadows & Morningside, says that poor planning in infrastructure could mar the games for Edinburgh residents. He said: “If we go forward with a redevelopment at Meadowbank and with the Commonwealth Pool having to be refurbished, it means in the critical period of the run-up to the Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014, Edinburgh's two major sporting facilities will be closed.

“People in Edinburgh could lose the sporting opportunities they might have had.”

Mr Casey discussed the role universities have to play in helping young athletes progress to an international standard of competition, telling The Journal: “In Scotland there are six Area Institute Networks which are linked to universities, local authorities and other partners - athletes then move into the Scottish Institute of Sport programme as they reach elite levels.

“Services available through the AIN's include support and advice on balancing sport and study or work, improving strength and conditioning, Sport Psychology and coach support."

With Glasgow's victory in securing the Commonwealth Games, Great Britain may soon be looking forward to a decade-long 'golden age' of sport, with the London Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014 potentially followed by the world cups of football and cricket - in 2018 and 2019 respectively - both hosted in England, if the bids are successful.

Edinburgh has hosted the Commonwealth Games twice in the past: first in 1970, then again in 1986, when a boycott by 31 countries in protest at sporting links with the Apartheid regime in South Africa distracted from the sporting events.