GLASGOW was today named as the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games after 71 nations and territories cast their votes at a dramatic presentation in Sri Lanka.

Leading figures from the worlds of politics, sport and business had backed the bid, which was presented by four speakers in Colombo, and although Glasgow was favourite its rival, the Nigerian capital Abuja, had gained ground in recent days.

Alex Salmond, the First Minister, and Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, flanked Louise Martin, chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, while the votes were being counted.

When the result was announced they leapt from their seats, punched the air and hugged each other, with Mr Salmond giving Ms Martin a kiss.

Mr Salmond then hailed Glasgow's victory and pledged: "We will make these Games the greatest sporting event our country has ever seen.

"They will be our chance to show the whole world the very best of Scotland."

Decathlete and former bobsleigh international Jamie Quarry then unfurled a saltire and wrapped all four in the national flag.

"So many people have worked hard for this and it has paid off."

Former Scotland rugby international Gavin Hastings, who was in Sri Lanka as a bid ambassador, said: "It is fantastic news. It is a great relief now it's all over. We are going to have one heck of a party."

The result was met with a huge roar from the Scottish delegation in Colombo and flags were waved as the winning team celebrated the announcement.

Both men and women were in tears in the aftermath of the result.

Gymnast Steve Frew jumped a somersault on live television - "a somersault for Glasgow 2014," he explained.

There was also pandemonium in Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket, which hosted a concert for more than 1,000 VIPs ahead of the vote.

SNP Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon danced on the stage with Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander as ticker tape rained down and indoor fireworks went off.

Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie and former Scottish rugby international Gregor Townsend were also pictured dancing jigs of delight as the crowd went wild.

Former First Minister Jack McConnell was also present, and spoke of his delight at the result.

About 2,000 youngsters from local primary and high schools packed into the Tollcross Leisure Centre, where swimming events will be held at the Games.

The main hall erupted as the news broke and the youngsters got to their feet cheering and waving flags.

About 20 swimmers in the main pool splashed around with delight.

Garry Bruce, manager of Tollcross Leisure Centre, said: "I'm elated, over the moon. I'm really proud of my staff and everything we have done in the build up.

"I'm looking forward to the new additions to the facilities."

The leisure centre will get a new 50m pool and an additional 4,000 seats for spectators.

The news was being broken today to travellers via broadcasts at train stations and airports and also on trains, taxis, buses, ferries and even Glasgow's underground via Tannoy systems, big screens and digital displays.

Giant screens were also relaying the news at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow and decision day parties are being held at Kelvinhall Sports Arena, Tollcross Park and Scotstoun.

Glasgow's victory will now trigger an ambitious programme of urban regeneration in the city.

Dalmarnock, in the east end of Glasgow, will be the site of a £246m games village and velodrome project, built on derelict brownfield land and with a capacity for up to 8000 athletes and officials. The site forms the centrepiece of the Clyde Gateway Project, which is the key priority area for urban regeneration in Scotland.

After the games the village will create a new neighbourhood for Glasgow, providing some 1200 houses for sale and up to 300 much-needed affordable social houses for rent.

Mr Salmond had acknowledged the strength of the Abuja bid but today told delegates in his final pitch to the Commonwealth Games Federation: "Scotland is united behind this bid - every single political party and every part of the nation.

"Every Scot is excited by what Scotland can give to the Games and about what these Games can give to Scotland. And be in no doubt - Scotland can deliver."

Mr Salmond told delegates that more than 70% of the facilities for the Games existed "in bricks and mortar".

"Our infrastructure is already well capable of supporting world-class events. Delegates, Scotland is ready."

The presentation also included a short film voiced by Sir Sean Connery and featuring some typical Scottish scenery. Footage of misty lochs, sweeping glens, caber-tossing and the T In The Park music festival were among the scenes shown.

Earlier Ms Martin, chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, told delegates she was "proud" to be representing the hundreds of thousands of Scots who had given their backing to the 2014 Games.

Ms Martin, who has competed as a swimmer at the Commonwealth Games in the past, said: "I've seen medals won, records broken and personal bests shattered. I've seen talented youngsters I've known all their lives achieve their dreams. I even watched my own daughter represent Scotland at the Games in Kuala Lumpur and Manchester.

"But in all those years, in all those magical moments, nothing comes close to the pride and honour I feel standing here today."

She added that Glasgow would be a "Games for the athletes". "It's our unbridled passion for sport that drives us forward. And above all, it's the athletes and the Games which are our family treasure."

Mr Purcell said Glasgow had a reputation as a friendly city. "We wear our friendliness as a badge of honour," he said.

"We love to talk and tell stories. Ask one of us for directions and it's likely that, rather than show you the way, we'll abandon what we're doing and take you there."

He said only £60m out of the total £288m cost would be borne by Glasgow and pledged that at no point would it impact on council tax bills.

Herald coverage here