Clyde unveiled as Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games mascot

He was welcomed on stage by Olympic swimming stars Rebecca Adlington and Michael Jamieson. Along with 150 school pupils from across the city they heard for the first time Clyde’s story, as told by actor, comedian and Glasgow 2014 Ambassador Billy Connolly who narrated an animated film which premiered at the launch.

Clyde was created by 12-year-old Beth Gilmour from Cumbernauld, who won a UK-wide competition to design the Glasgow 2014 Mascot. Beth said: “It’s amazing to see Clyde come to life and I’m so happy that my design and idea will now be seen by everyone across the world."

Creative digital agency nerv was briefed with bringing Beth's creation to life, developing it into a character that would connect with children across the Commonwealth, embrace the spirit of the Games, and celebrate all that is good about the Host City of Glasgow.

Nerv developed a backstory linking Clyde’s coming to life to the fictional Captain Bristle, a merchant sailor who had captained the SS Cameronia on one of her many voyages. The story (written by nerv’s MD, Cynan Clucas) was illustrated and animated entirely by the in house team at nerv’s Cheltenham studio. The seven-minute long animated film is narrated by Billy Connolly with a soundtrack by Paolo Nutini, both of whom hail from Glasgow.

Billy Connolly meanwhile said of the mascot: “Clyde’s a great wee thistle and it’s a very, very good idea and a fantastic design by Beth. The thistle is the perfect choice and has a great history and meaning in Scotland, plus Clyde’s got a smashing haircut that makes him very modern and gives him a lovely edge!

“The River Clyde is unbelievably special to the people of Glasgow, it’s one of the sole reasons for Glasgow being here and I personally believe the thistle is a brilliant plant, it really is rather special. The combination of the two really celebrates everything that’s great about the city and Scotland.”