Glasgow 2026: Opening Ceremony on Thursday night... as the real action gets underway

By STEVEN DONN, DEPUTY EDITOR - SCOTLAND And so it begins... 12 years after Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games, it is back. Downsized, for sure, but will it again capture the public's imagination as it did so magnificently in 2014? Only time will tell but the Opening Ceremony, held indoors at the city's Hydro Arena on Thursday night, will perhaps give an early indication of what to expect. The King will open the Games and there will also be an appearance from sporting royalty in the shape of the legendary Sir Chris Hoy.  Adam Peaty is an even bigger name now... Adam Ramsay-Peaty indeed after his wedding to Holly Ramsay, daughter of famous Scottish chef and celebrity shouter Gordon Ramsay. The 31-year-old Englishman is a legend in the pool and the atmosphere is likely to be electric at Tollcross when the swimming starts on Friday. Commonwealth Games stars issued STI warning by sexual health clinic after surge in patients at previous event - as expert tells athletes to bring their OWN condoms following shortage at the Winter Olympics The new House of the Dragon series and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have both been honoured via a Game of Thrones dragon which has soared over the city for two mornings in a row. Much like 2014, the sun is shining over Glasgow as the Commonwealth Games begin, with the Opening Ceremony taking place tonight. However, there's been some action already, with preliminary rounds in the bowls taking place at the SEC - and Prince Edward in attendance.