11 September 2006
Highland Spring was unveiled as one of four ‘Major Supporters’ of Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid in an announcement by Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister of Scotland today (11 September 2006).
As the UK’s leading supplier of bottled water producing one million bottles a day, the Perthshire company will promote Glasgow’s “Back Scotland’s Bid” campaign through joint marketing initiatives including on-pack promotions and the provision of Highland Spring for many bid related events.
The other major supporters include Clydesdale Bank, First Group and 02. The 20th Commonwealth Games in 2014 would be the biggest event of any kind ever hosted by Scotland bringing 6,000 athletes and officials from 71 nations, watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators worldwide.
Commenting on why the Commonwealth bid is a perfect fit to Highland Spring’s sports portfolio, Sally Stanley, marketing director said: “We are already a major supporter of UK sport and a long-term sponsor of many national and international events sports and sporting events including rugby union, golf, mountain biking, running, athletics, snooker, bowls, windsurfing and tennis.
“We are committed to forging the link between active sport and good hydration and especially to encourage schoolchildren to adopt healthier drinking habits. Winning the bid would be a terrific opportunity to encourage thousands of Scottish children to participate in new sporting activities. There is nothing like seeing competitive sport at first hand to get kids motivated and that’s what the bid would bring to Scotland.
“We are passionate about this bid and we will actively support the three key organisations involved - Glasgow City Council, The Scottish Executive and The Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland.”
Speaking in Glasgow's Trades Hall, the First Minister said:
"This is another hugely important day in the race for 2014. Scotland's bid has captured the imagination of Scots everywhere, all of them wanting to send out a message to the Commonwealth that we want to win.
"Today that message gets stronger and it gets louder. Some of our biggest companies have shown their faith in the bid and have made it clear that they are ready to invest in the future of our country. They know that winning will provide a boost to the economy, but they know that it will do more. It will inspire our young people, it will show the world what kind of country Scotland is becoming. That is an investment that will always pay dividends.
"We all know what is at stake. We know that we have a long, difficult road ahead of us. But we also know that with the backing of our businesses and our people we can win these Games for Scotland."
Sports portfolio
Highland Spring is the official natural mineral water supplier to a range of sports and sporting organisations including 20 Scottish rugby union teams, London Wasps, Saracens, NEC Harlequins, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks.
Highland Spring is also official water supplier to the Professional Footballers’ Association, The Diageo Golf Championship at Gleneagles, World Snooker Association and World Bowls Tour which includes Commonwealth Games champions Alex Marshall and Paul Foster. In addition the company sponsors many running events and hundreds of school sports days across the UK.
Notes to editors
1. Glasgow is competing with two other countries to host the Games in 2014 – Halifax in Canada and Abuja in Nigeria. The announcement will be made on 9 November 2007.
2. Formed in 1979, Highland Spring is the UK’s leading natural mineral water producer and number one kids’ brand in the UK.
3. As a “Major Supporter” Highland Spring will have exclusive access to the Glasgow 2014 brand identity and Glasgow 2014 logo and bid tartan. The company will work closely with the 2014 team to maximise awareness and support for the bid during the bid phase, providing new channels to reach target audiences and also providing a Scotland-wide geographical spread.
For more information or photography contact:
Eve Robertson / Alison Downs / Julie McGarvey
3x1 Public Relations
T: 0141 221 0707 / 07974 193 897
E: erobertson@3x1.com / adowns@3x1.com