The venue was chosen because today's anniversary coincided with St Andrew's Day, which celebrates the patron saint of Scotland. 

Pupils celebrated the occasion by wearing the special 2014 tartan, which was designed by Aamir Mehmood, a Shawlands Academy pupil whose creation was selected from thousands by young people across Scotland.

"It is fitting this St Andrew's Day that we mark 600 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow and Scotland's Commonwealth Games," said David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014.

"Our venues are coming to life and looking magnificent and, as we move towards the starting line, it's a fantastic vote of confidence to hear world-class athletes of the calibre of Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, Oscar Pistorius and so many others starting to express their intention to compete at Glasgow in 2014.

"Increasingly, the scene is getting set for a feast of global sport and I know Glasgow and Scotland will create a wonderful stage for stars such as these to shine."

The Games, which are due to open on July 24, will be the largest sporting and cultural event Scotland will ever host, organisers claim.

"This year has showcased the very best of Scottish sport," said Commonwealth Games Minister Shona Robison. 

"As 2012 draws to a close, the excitement for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow continues to build and I look forward to seeing what the next 600 days will bring."

One million tickets will be available for the events and about 15,000 volunteers are being sought to become the "friendly face" of the Games.

"Following on the successes of the London 2012 Olympics, sport is continuing to inspire the youngsters here and everyone is getting more and more enthusiastic about the prospect of the best athletes in the Commonwealth coming to compete in Scotland," said Eileen Mulrooney, the headteacher at St Andrew's Primary School.

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