The event at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre is expected to feature 580 swimmers from 70 countries and is the first time Britain has hosted it since it was launched in Valletta, the capital of Malta, in 1994. 

"Over the years Tollcross has hosted some of the world's biggest and best swimming events including the swimming competition at the Commonwealth Games and 'Duel in the Pool'," said Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, the organisation which oversees major events in the Scottish city.

"The IPC Swimming World Championships is the latest in a long-line of such events and it is great to see years of hard work and planning come together as the athletes start to arrive in the city.

"New timing systems, an additional scoreboard, high-definition underwater cameras and event branding are all currently being put in place ahead of what will be a celebration of world-class swimming.”

Britain have medal hopes in several events on the opening day, including in the women's 400 metres freestyle S6, where Ellie Simmonds, one of the country's most recognisable Paralympians, has won every major title in the event since Beijing 2008. 

“For the racing it’s going to be really good to see where we are all at ahead of Rio [2016] next year,” the 20-year-old Simmonds said.

"I have some strong competitors in my events.

"I love racing and I have worked really hard in training leading up to this event."

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes is hoping that the crowd will help inspire the home team who finished third on the overall medals table behind Ukraine and Russia at the last Championships in Montreal two years ago.

Britain won a total of 55 medals, including 18 gold, three of them claimed by Simmonds. 

“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best Para-swimmers to Glasgow, just one year out from the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio," said Sparkes. 

"Last year’s Commonwealth Games showed Tollcross International Swimming Centre to be a great venue that created a fantastic atmosphere that inspires amazing performances.

"We hope for more of the same in a few days’ time and expect the passionate home support to give the small elite British team a real boost.”

The Championships are due to finish next Sunday (July 19). 

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