New Ambassador Added as Glasgow 2014 Air First TV Advert

The Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee today announced Sweet Sixteen star Martin Compston as the star of its first TV commercial and its fourth official Games Ambassador.

The Scottish actor’s initial involvement with the Games will be fronting Glasgow 2014’s inaugural TV commercial being aired for the first time across Scotland tonight… at 20:14.

Martin joins an already illustrious list of Ambassadors that includes Sir Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington and Billy Connolly.

The advert called ‘Support is our Sport’ was developed by The Leith Agency, produced by The Gate Films and was directed by Guy Soulsby, whose previous work includes commercials for Nike and Manchester United.

The 40-second advert, filmed throughout the city, marks the start of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of the Games across Scotland and Martin was thrilled to be involved:

Martin Compston official Glasgow 2014 Ambassador said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the advert and even more so to be pushing the message that it’s Glasgow’s turn next. London 2012 gave the whole country a lift and I’m in no doubt that Glasgow 2014 will have the same positive impact – we know how to put on a show and we know how to welcome people. The Games here in Scotland will be incredible.

“It’s going to be a special few weeks. You can feel the excitement across the city already. You might have the opportunity to see Usain Bolt running at Hampden or maybe see Sir Chris Hoy competing in the Velodrome with his name on it! I think the people of Scotland understand, and will recognise that this is a very special time and very special thing to be involved in.”

Martin, who was born in Greenock but now lives in London, saw first-hand the impact the London 2012 Olympic Games had on the capital and he now expects the same to happen in Glasgow:

“What I’ve seen in London, you did feel like you were witnessing history. People need a positive thing at the moment and hopefully people will get out there, be a part of the Games and remember it for the rest of their life.

“I’m a Greenock boy, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest and best city, and it’s a fantastic place. I think the Games are going to encompass the whole of Scotland.”

In his role as a Glasgow 2014 Ambassador, Martin will promote the Games and help ensure as many people as possible make the most of Scotland’s largest ever sporting and cultural event – something the actor believes won’t be a problem in 2014:

“The one thing about people from Glasgow is they’re not shy. They like getting involved in things and I’ve just been blown away by what’s happened at the Olympics with so many people getting involved. Scots and Glaswegians are known around the world for being patriotic, welcoming and being able to put on a show. I really do think the people of Scotland will step up to the mark.”

Gordon Arthur, Director of Communications and Marketing for Glasgow 2014, said: “We wanted the first-ever Glasgow 2014 TV commercial to promote the Commonwealth Games as the next global sporting spectacular, but do so in an accessible, down-to-earth way that makes everyone in Scotland begin to appreciate that the Games are for them. Martin Compston was the ideal choice to introduce the Games and celebrate Scotland as a nation of passionate supporters.”