One of Scotland’s leading business figures has been appointed to a key role in delivering the “best ever Commonwealth Games” in Glasgow in 2014.

Sir Robert Smith, Chairman for The Weir Group plc, former CEO of Morgan Grenfell Private Equity and BBC Governor and Chairman for the Broadcasting Council for Scotland has been appointed as Chair of the body tasked with delivering the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond was speaking at a news conference at Hampden Park earlier today before visiting the construction site of the Toryglen Indoor Training Facility which will be uses as a football facility during the Games.

The First Minister, who chairs the Glasgow 2014 Strategic Group which brings together the lead partners of the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, said this appointment was a major milestone in the Games delivery process.

Mr Salmond said:  “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Robert Smith as the Chair of the Organising Committee of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Sir Robert will bring a tremendous amount of experience and expertise to this hugely important role, as the leading individual responsible for turning Scotland’s Commonwealth Games dream into reality.

“He has a proven track record which I know will be essential for delivering an event which promises to be not only the best ever Commonwealth Games but the greatest sporting showcase our country has ever seen.

“I’ve been massively impressed by the enthusiasm shown across the length and breadth of Scotland for the Games so far and I’m sure people across the country will join me in wishing Sir Robert the very best of success for the crucial six years ahead.”

Sir Robert Smith said:  "It is a great honour to be appointed as Chairman of Glasgow 2014 Ltd - the  Organising Committee for the Commonwealth Games. Staging the Games in 2014  provides a unique opportunity to stage a major international sports event and to leave  a lasting legacy in so many areas of social and economic development in Glasgow  and throughout Scotland.

 "My job is to ensure that the Games in 2014 are brought in on time and on budget -  that is absolutely the first priority. I am looking forward to building a team on the  Organising Committee which will have the same focus and commitment to make  these a great Games. I am also determined to maintain the strong partnership  approach which so typified the work carried out over the last two years.

 "We inherit a very strong foundation from all the hard work carried out in the  successful bid phase. We now enter a second phase in which we will continue to  refine our planning and turn our attention to the ultimate delivery of a Games in July  2014 for all the athletes who will join us from throughout the world. I hope  that my experience around the world in a wide range of areas relevant to the Games from construction, broadcasting, sponsorship, fund-raising, finance, management corporate governance through to education and training will be of value over the next  7 years."

 "I'm very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement of the years to  come. This is an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate to the world our ability in  Glasgow and Scotland to delivery an outstanding Event."

 Steven Purcell, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Robert is a dynamic  business leader and a great asset for the team which will deliver the Commonwealth  Games in 2014. 

 "A great Glaswegian, he helped to raise millions for Kelvingrove and our new  Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde. Robert has undoubtedly made his mark  on the national and international business stage and has enjoyed an unrivalled track  record of success."

Michael Cavanagh, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland said: "The Games Council welcomes the appointment of Sir Robert Smith to the Organising  Company for the Games. With his long standing experience of business and  commerce This is a very valuable appointment to help us move into the next phase of  work for 2014 and will complete the skills and experience of the other Games  partners. We look forward to working closely with Robert over the next 6 years to  deliver a fantastic Games.