'Horrific' Scottish Athletes' Uniforms Slated

The uniforms to be worn by Scotland's athletes at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games have been criticised as "embarrassing", "shocking" and "humiliating".

Organisers say the Jilli Blackwood-designed outfits "inject a contemporary twist" to the traditional tartan uniforms of previous Games.

This time, the men will wear a "vibrant" blue shirt and a tartan kilt with a "caramel-coloured hue" at the Glasgow event on July 23.

The women will wear a "flowing wrap-around dress, giving a nod to the blue of the saltire" and a tartan shawl.

They will also have a stone-coloured leather bag.

Ms Blackwood said: "My brief from Team Scotland was to come up with a parade uniform that was high on impact and made a real statement, but also had a contemporary feel.

"There will be no mistaking that this is the Scottish Team as they proudly step out at the Opening Ceremony."

But many people commenting on the team's Facebook page did not seem impressed by the designs.

Laura Mahady wrote: "Humiliating for anyone who has to wear these outfits."

Sharron Mag Bhradaigh said: "P45 for the "designer". That is just a shocking combination, total embarrassment."

Melissa MacLennan wrote: "What a shame for the athletes who have worked so hard to get to the Commonwealth Games for a designer to put them in this!!"

And Stacey Lauder added: "They are horrific."

Clare Louise Schoeman said: "I feel really sorry for the poor athletes having to wear it."

However, Scotland wrestler Lewis Waddell hit back, by saying: "Thanks from all the 2014 Scottish athletes for the negative comments on here! We like it, we're wearing it, end of."

Cyclist Charline Joiner, who helped model the new uniform, said: "It's refreshing and a definite surprise! I was expecting a kilt, but love the fact the girls are in dresses this time as it’s more feminine and it’s still got the blue of Scotland in it.

"I love the fact it's different and also love the fact it’s got a little bag because the boys have always had a sporran, but we’ve never had anywhere to put our phones and other items."

Squash player Frania Gillen-Buchert who led the uniform athlete consultation process added: "I love the tartan and I think we’ll look great …and we’ll definitely be seen as we march last into Celtic Park for the Opening Ceremony as the home team."

Rugby 7s player Lee Jones described it as 'very comfortable and eye catching' whilst team-mate Scott Wight, added: "I'm now really looking forward to wearing it at the Opening Ceremony."

And Facebook user Barrah Safaris said: "Love the tartan, nice and bright and the idea of the shirts/dresses looking like ripples in a swimming pool."

Gemma Park said: "I love it. It's vibrant, fresh and bold. We will stand out. Go Team Scotland!!"

Anne Lennox Burr added: "I think it looks great."

Celtic Park is the venue for the Opening Ceremony and the Games last 11 days.