Glasgow Broadcast Guide | Visit Glasgow

Commonwealth Games 2026

Having successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, Glasgow is proud to welcome athletes, officials, broadcasters and visitors from across the Commonwealth once again in 2026. Built around existing venues and infrastructure, the Games will showcase Glasgow’s proven ability to deliver world-class sporting events while highlighting the city’s welcoming spirit, vibrant culture and internationally recognised expertise in hosting major events and the excitement to support the organisers. Glasgow is renowned for the warmth, humour and hospitality of its people, the inspiration behind the internationally recognised People Make Glasgow brand.

The Commonwealth Games arrive at an exciting time in Glasgow’s development, coinciding with an ambitious programme to transform the city centre and redefine it as a vibrant, greener and more connected place to live, work and visit. Already a global cultural destination attracting millions each year, the city combines world‑class museums, a thriving food and music scene, and a rich architectural heritage with a fast‑growing reputation for innovation, learning and enterprise. Now, we’re building on these strengths to create a more people‑focused urban core that is welcoming, climate‑resilient and designed for everyday life as much as major events.

From the redesign and upgrading of George Square, which is still underway, to the creation of a network of green “Avenues” linking key streets, significant investment is reshaping the city centre into a more attractive, walkable and sustainable environment. Major regeneration projects are bringing vacant sites back into use, reconnecting the city to the River Clyde, and supporting new homes, businesses and communities. With plans to grow the city centre population significantly, the ambition is clear: to move beyond a place people travel into, and instead become somewhere people choose to stay, build their lives and spend time.

Underpinning this transformation is a wider goal to position Glasgow as one of the UK’s most innovative and resilient economies by 2030, a city centre that is not only the cultural and civic heart of Glasgow, but a dynamic engine of inclusive growth, creativity and opportunity.

About Glasgow

Located on the River Clyde, Glasgow is a dynamic, modern city combining world-class culture, striking architecture and diverse urban environments with the warmth and character of its people.

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow offers broadcasters a highly versatile filming destination – from historic streets and cultural landmarks to expansive parks and elevated skyline viewpoints.

Glasgow is a city that continually reinvents itself. From its industrial roots on the River Clyde to its emergence as a global centre for innovation, creativity and technology, the city combines heritage with ambition. Today Glasgow is helping shape the future through leadership in areas including space technology, advanced manufacturing, green innovation and the creative economy.

Yet what truly sets Glasgow apart is its people. Friendly, welcoming and proud of their city, Glaswegians create the atmosphere that visitors remember long after they leave. It is this spirit that inspired the city’s internationally recognised “People Make Glasgow” brand and continues to make Glasgow one of Europe’s most distinctive and memorable destinations.

With a proven track record of hosting major international events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, UEFA EURO 2020, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and COP26, the city provides both the infrastructure and atmosphere required for global broadcast coverage.

This guide highlights recommended filming locations across Glasgow, outlining key visual strengths, access considerations and practical information to support both live broadcasting and pre-recorded content.

10 facts about Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and ranks among the five most visited cities in the United Kingdom.
The name ‘Glasgow’ can be traced back to the early 12th century, derived from the Gaelic ‘Glaschu’, often translated as “Dear Green Place”.
Glasgow has been voted the friendliest city in the UK in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards in both 2024 and 2025.
The city is the only location to have been named European Capital of Sport twice, most recently in 2023.
The Burrell Collection, located in Pollok Country Park, was awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2023 – the largest museum prize in the world.
Glasgow has been recognised globally as a centre for innovation, ranking among the top five quantum technology clusters worldwide in 2025.
The city has been highlighted by Time Out as one of the best European destinations to visit in 2026.
The marble staircase inside Glasgow City Chambers is the largest of its kind in Western Europe and is constructed from Italian Carrara marble.
Chicken Tikka Masala is widely credited to have originated in Glasgow in the 1970s – a chef’s customer asked for his chicken tikka to be ‘less dry’.
Glasgow hosted the world’s first officially recognised international football match in 1872, between Scotland and England – ending 0-0 at Hamilton Crescent in Partick.

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Filming permissions

The Glasgow Broadcast Guide highlights filming locations across the city that may be available for use as live broadcast positions, stand-up locations and pre-recorded feature content during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Please note that, unless otherwise stated on individual location pages, the featured locations sit outside official competition venues and Games-time broadcast compounds. Access to these locations is managed separately from Games accreditation and may require advance permission.

Many of the locations featured are managed by Glasgow City Council. Filming permits may therefore be required for activity taking place in parks, public spaces, pedestrian areas and on certain roads or parking bays. Details on permissions and booking procedures are outlined below.

Some locations are privately owned or managed and may require additional permissions or liaison with venue operators. Specific guidance will be included on the relevant location page where applicable.

Film crews are expected to follow appropriate health and safety procedures at all times and ensure that filming activity does not obstruct pedestrians, businesses, residents or public transport operations. Broadcasters and production teams are encouraged to work respectfully within local communities and minimise disruption wherever possible.

Production teams should also carry valid public liability insurance appropriate to their filming activity and equipment requirements.

Please be aware that temporary traffic management measures, road closures and event-related travel restrictions may be in operation across the city during the Commonwealth Games period. Broadcasters are encouraged to plan movements in advance and consider agile or lightweight production setups where suitable.

Further information

Media organisations wishing to request filming access to locations featured within the Glasgow Broadcast Guide should contact the Destination Glasgow PR team at least 48 hours in advance of filming activity.

Filming requests should include:

Media organisation/company name
Proposed filming location(s)
Date and time of filming
Crew size and names
Equipment details (camera type, tripod, lighting, drone etc.)
Vehicle details if applicable
Intended use/platform for footage

Please note that some requests may require additional approvals depending on the location, scale of production or operational considerations during Games-time activity.

Multi-media content

Destination Glasgow will provide a range of resources to support broadcasters, journalists, content creators and rights holders covering the 2026 Commonwealth Games where requested.

This will include:

Destination imagery
B-roll footage of Glasgow
Skyline and landmark visuals
City fact sheets and media resources

Additional media resources and downloads will be published ahead of the Games.

Please note: George Square is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project that was planned prior to Glasgow being confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. While the square may not be available for filming during the Games period, broadcasters can take advantage of a wide range of alternative city-centre locations showcasing Glasgow’s rich history, stunning scenery, striking architecture and maritime heritage.

BUCHANAN STREET

Overview

Glasgow’s primary pedestrian shopping boulevard, linking Sauchiehall Street with St Enoch Square in the heart of the city centre.

Broadcast suitability

High footfall location, ideal for live city centre stand-ups and general atmosphere shots.

Best time to film

Throughout the day during trading hours.

Best vantage points

Royal Concert Hall steps looking down the street
South end looking north towards Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Area beside Buchanan Street Subway Station canopy

Access restrictions

Vehicle access restricted 10am–7pm (bollards in place)

Filming permit / notice period

Minimum 48 hours’ notice required.

Public liability

Minimum £5 million.

Getting here

5-minute walk from Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central Station. Subway: Buchanan Street or St Enoch.

Filming contact

destinationglasgow@glasgow.gov.uk