Glasgow 2014

There is no substitute for being there. The TV coverage brings you unparalleled access to all the athletic action. To access the atmosphere of Glasgow 2014, beyond the pixellations , you have to be there to probe the truth behind the byline emblazoned across the City reminding us: "People make Glasgow" . Actually lots and lots of people. Many of them very un athletic . But all enjoying being there.

Our perambulation began in George Square, lunched on Glasgow Green and culminated on the Clyde walkway to Pacific Quay. The last time we were there was for The Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988. We, in typical Edinburgh residents' style, don't go "through" to Glasgow very often! Today reminded me that we really should go more often.

Glasgow has made an excellent job of hosting The Commonwealth Games. Some say they have salvaged it' from virtual oblivion following the shambolic organisation in Delhi 2010.

I was really glad to be a small part of it for a few fun filled, sun filled hours today. I was relieved, as we headed for our train home not to be joining a queue 14000 long, patiently waiting for their trains to Hampden Park for this evenings's Athletics. There will be no queue to see the action from there, live from our sofa, when we eventually get home. The Edinburgh bound trains have suffered some systemic delays this evening resulting in an interminable journey punctuated by insincere tannoy announcements apologising for "any inconvenience this delay may have caused!" People need to remake Scotrai

(My blip shows the nearest we got to Usain Bolt today as hundreds queued to race his virtual image over 50 metres.)