Scotland out for Olympic spin-off

Seb Coe accepted an invitation to meet the Scottish Executive

London 2012 Olympic bid chairman Sebastian Coe will visit Scotland to discuss the benefits of helping stage the event with the Scottish Executive.

Hampden Park in Glasgow has already been earmarked for the Games' football tournament if the bid is successful.

And sports minister Patricia Ferguson said: "The Executive wants to ensure that Scotland is well placed to take advantage of a successful London 2012.

"I will be meeting Lord Coe, chair of London's bid, next month."

Ferguson, who invited Lord Coe to Scotland, was speaking after London submitted its 600-page bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games at the International Olympic Committee's headquarters in Lausanne.

There will be positive knock-on benefits opportunities for Scotland Olympic curling gold medallist Rhona Martin

"The Olympic Games is the biggest sporting event in the world," she said.

"It is watched by millions and provides a showcase for the world's best athletes competing at the highest level.

"Hampden Park has already been earmarked to stage part of the Olympic football tournament in Glasgow.

"I am sure there are many other potential sporting, business and tourism and cultural benefits that a successful London Games would bring to Scotland."

Olympic curling gold medallist Rhona Martin has thrown her weight behind the bid.

"Taking part in the Olympics is the pinnacle of any athletes' career," she said.

"I'm delighted to support London's bid and I'm sure that, if the city is successful, there will be positive knock-on benefits opportunities for Scotland.

"The Olympics encourage people to be more active.

"Olympic athletes are role models and, as such, I am confident that a successful London bid will encourage young and old in Scotland to take part in sport."