THE HERALD REPORTS

Scotland has major events in its sights

DOUG GILLON July 10 2008
Scotland hasn't ruled out hosting the 2016 European Championships, or the Rugby World Cup.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer of Eventscotland, who would be key partners, confirmed yesterday that they were in discussions with the government, and that a rugby decision would be made this month.

The move from 16 to 24 teams for Euro 2016 makes Scotland less likely, Bush acknowledged, but he does not rule out bidding. "The SFA say it's not a priority, but I'd never say the door was finally shut - just very much more difficult. We've had discussions with the SFA and Scottish Government, but they have been very exploratory.

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"Again it has to be a partnership - Wales, or Ireland. The door's maybe not as wide open as it was. It's tougher, but the championships last month have demonstrated it's possible for smaller countries.

"Eventscotland and the SRU conducted a feasibility study on hosting the Rugby World Cup. A decision will be announced next year. We have an imminent meeting with the Scottish Government and the SRU to determine a way forward. There will be an outcome on that this month.

"Scottish rugby has to make that decision as hosts. For us, if there is an opportunity, I'd like to think that we would positively look at it. How that will manifest itself in terms of partners, structures and processes is political."

Scotland will continue to bid for a raft of major events, and he claimed sport would remain a financial priority after the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

"I want to ensure that after 2014, the drawbridge is not raised," he said. "Look at every Olympic host nation - there's a cataclysmic fall in sport funding post-Games which is scary."

This article was posted on 10-Jul-2008, 08:16 by Hugh Barrow.