​At the conclusion of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow’s then council leader Gordon Matheson was in no doubt how successful the event had been.”Not only has Glasgow and her citizens completely embraced the Games, but we have demonstrated our credentials as a world-class city,” he declared.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs the city prepares to welcome the Games back, the vibe is not nearly as bright or positive.Glasgow will welcome athletes against a backdrop of roadworks, refurbishments and the remains of a building ravaged by fire sitting next to the city’s largest train station – but organisers are keen to stress the city is ready.Glasgow was parachuted in to host the Games after the Australian state of Victoria dropped out, and was partly picked because so much infrastructure was already in place.The 2026 Games have been pared back compared to previous editions, with 10 sports rather than the 17 it featured in 2014.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYet hosting the event is still a large undertaking for any city – especially at short notice.All you need to know about Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth GamesKing and Queen to open Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans to headline Commonwealth Games opening ceremonyAbout 3,000 athletes will compete for 215 gold medals across the 10-day event.And away from the action, thousands will be involved behind the scenes, including scores of volunteers.They have already started checking in at the Glasgow Caledonian University campus which is doubling as the registration centre for the Games.An estimated 20,000 people expected to collect accreditation passes before the Games ends on 2 August.They include Niamh Mackenzie, a 19-year-old psychology student who is already working shifts for the Games.Niamh MacKenzie is one of the many volunteers taking part in the Games [BBC]She said the summer had been dominated by the Tartan Army bringing the “No Scotland No Party” atmosphere to the World Cup in the US.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”It’s quite exciting to have that atmosphere locally,” she said.”Hopefully we give a good experience to everyone that’s coming over for it.”Niamh has relatives who volunteered in 2014, which is part of the reason she signed up this time around.The impact of that competition also inspired Daniel Bustillos-Arell, an American native who has lived in Scotland for the past 11 years.He previously volunteered at the 2023 UCI cycling championships.Bustillos-Arell said: “All I’ve heard about since I moved to Scotland was the 2014 Games.”People talk about what a great experience it was, and how much they enjoyed it.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile 2014 may have prompted some people to sign up for the Games, it also looms over 2026.It brought various new sporting venues to the city, saw packed fanzones in places like Glasgow Green, and was hailed afterwards as possibly the best Games ever.Susan Egelstaff competed in badminton at three Commonw