Glasgow 2014 unveils ‘cheeky’ Commonwealth Games mascot

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 | By Angus Montgomery

Clyde the mascot, who is named after Glasgow’s River Clyde, is based on original designs by 12-year-old Cumbernauld schoolgirl Beth Gilmour, whose concept has been developed by Cheltenham- and London-based digital consultancy Nerv.

Gilmour won a competition for children aged from 6-15 to create mascot designs, which was judged by staff from Glasgow 2014 and the BBC. The competition received more than 4000 entries.

The organisers say Beth’s concept was chosen ‘for its Scottish symbolism and Glaswegian charm and likeability’.

Nerv was then appointed to created a design in the mascot’s signature pose, as well as depicting it participating in all 17 sports that will take place during the Games.

Nerv managing director Cynan Clucas says, ‘Beth’s original drawing was a thistle-like character, and our first consideration was how to take her illustration and give it commercial appeal without changing the innocence or exuberance of the character she’d created.

‘Above all we wanted the mascot to be anchored in the positive traditions and culture of Glasgow, and for his name, story and personality to convey these to an international audience.’

The consultancy has developed a backstory for Clyde, linking his coming to life with the fictional Captain Bristle, a merchant sailor on the SS Cameronia.

Nerv has created a film telling this backstory, narrated by Billy Connelly and with music from Paolo Nutini.

Robin Fisher, creative director at Nerv, says, ‘When we were researching Glasgow’s ship-building history we were drawn to one ship in  particular, the SS Cameronia.

‘The Cameronia was a passenger liner, a troop carrier and a transport ship which carried emigrating Scots to Australia.

‘During the war, she survived a torpedo attack and took part in the D-Day landings. This was a ship that embodied the fearlessness, resilience and spirit of adventure we wanted in our mascot.’

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