Scotland's leading women have received a boost, as they prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, following the creation of a unique exchange programme between the twin cities of Glasgow and Rostov-on-Don.

Next month, a group of leading Russian competitors and coaches, will venture to Scotland as part of a new scheme, which has been implemented by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Gymnastics and their Russian counterparts, and the group will give demonstrations and pass on advice to their Scottish counterparts at locations such as Bellahouston Park. If the idea proves successful, it will be built upon in the years leading up to the Games in Scotland.

During the summer, that assistance will be augmented when another leading Russian coach spends time with a group of the most talented Scottish youngsters, the majority of whom are from the west of Scotland, including age-group champions Amy Regan, Cara Kennedy, Megan Glass, Orla Gallagher and Carly Smith, all of whom are mixing their school studies with hours in the gym in pursuit of their ambition to represent their country at the 2014 Games.

A group of Scottish girls will make a reciprocal trip to the Olympic Reserve School in Rostov-on-Don in October, under the expert care of the same coaching staff, who have laid the groundwork on their trip to Scotland.