A former Liberal Democrat leader has warned both sides of the independence debate not to use the Commonwealth Games as a “political football”.
Charles Kennedy is worried the 12-day event could be hijacked by both sides of the debate rather than allowing it to shine as a celebration of sport.
For some time there has been concern the SNP would use the games and this year’s 70th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Bannockburn to promote the nationalist cause.
When Alex Salmond hijacked Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon last year by waving a Saltire over the head of David Cameron he only increased suspicions.
Mr Kennedy, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, joined the fray on the eve of the games kicking off.
“These games are a fantastic opportunity to inspire both the next generation of athletes and all youngsters to get more involved in sport. That is what the legacy of these games should be about,” he said.
“These games should not, however, be used as a political football. That would spoil the charm of the games. No matter which side of the independence debate people are on, we can all agree that the Commonwealth Games is nothing to do with politics.”
Earlier this year, former Labour first minister Jack McConnell called for a two-week truce while the games were on.
At the time Mr Salmond dismissed suggestions the games would be politicised as “nonsensical” adding they were too important for that to happen.
Political banners are banned from the games venues. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games (Trading and Advertising) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 state that items which “promote a cause or belief” are permitted in and around “event zones”, as long as they are not taken inside.