Jo Swinson - Scotland must capitalise on 2012 Olympics

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Jul 2005

London 2012 Olympics

Jo Swinson MP believes that Scotland must take advantage of the unique opportunities that will be presented when London hosts the 2012 Olympic Games.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Jo highlighted the potential for Scotland to play host to Olympic training camps and called on the tourism industry to recognise the opportunity presented by the games.

It is hoped that Scotland will be used as a base for athletes' training camps as they prepare to compete in the games. Scotland boasts world-class facilities such as Rangers' £14 million pound Murray Park complex in Milngavie.

An estimated half a million people are expected to visit the UK during the games. The tourism industry is hoping that the potential of Scotland as a tourist destination can be maximised, in order to take advantage of the extra would-be visitors.

Jo commented, "It is estimated that the economic benefit brought by the games for Scotland alone will run into hundreds of millions of pounds."

"However, this windfall will depend on putting the work in to attract teams from around the world to set up training camps in Scotland."

"Perhaps the largest source of financial gain will be tourism. It is essential that visitors to London are given every encouragement to venture beyond the capital and explore north of the border."