"Today, tens of millions of people around the world will be celebrating Commonwealth Day - in their schools, in their workplaces and in their communities.

"The theme this year - of respecting difference and promoting understanding - is, to my mind, at the very heart of what the Commonwealth stands for today. We in Scotland recognise that theme and the sentiment that lies behind it.

"It mirrors Scotland's own enduring values of mutuality and tolerance, our sense of purpose and our respect for others. These, I believe, are the principles that will help the world - and the countries of the Commonwealth - to prosper in the 21st century.
"For generations, Scotland has contributed to the growth of the Commonwealth through our ideas, our innovations and our people. And, we can take pride from what we are doing today to support development in Malawi and in other countries in the Commonwealth. We are a nation of the Commonwealth, determined to play our part in promoting understanding and working together within our extended family of nations to create a better life for all.

"Sport is, of course, one of the most powerful forces of all for bringing people together. And, we in Scotland want to bring the nations of the Commonwealth together in 2014 as never before. Bringing the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Scotland will enhance the Games' reputation across the world, create bonds and friendships between our young people and bring benefits to our whole country for generations to come.

"On May 9, we will formally lodge our bid in London. Our bid is already strong, and it's getting stronger by the day. People all over Scotland support the bid and major corporate backers are helping us prepare the best Games ever.

"Our country is ready. We have the venues, the infrastructure, and most of all the desire and the passion to do something really special with Glasgow 2014. We are ready to put on an event that will surpass the great Games of the past and make the Commonwealth proud of Scotland, just as we are."