The West End venue will be hosting lawn bowls in 2014, and Smith has been in Glasgow to talk to the Organising Committee of the Games as well as to assess the venue, along with world bowls technical delegate Kerry Clark.

"It's been fantastic to see first-hand the level of preparation and work that's gone into the greens already, which is a credit to the Organising Committee and its Games partners," said Smith.

"Bowls is a truly international sport and [the governing body] World Bowls is based here in Scotland.

"We are confident Glasgow 2014 will stage the best lawn bowls competition the Commonwealth has ever seen."

Clark added: "The organisers at Glasgow 2014 have made a positive start in their preparations to ensure we have a quality playing surface to match this outstanding picturesque venue in just under three years' time and I have every confidence this will continue right up until the Games."

This summer has seen the turf laid onto the newly constructed greens, which will open to the public next summer.

Willie Woods, a double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and Sarah Ewing, who hopes to represent Scotland in 2014, threw out the first bowls.


The location will have a glorious view, cited adjacent to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Bowls Scotland chief executive Alan McMillan said: "Scotland has an impressive record at the Commonwealth Games and we are delighted our bowlers will enjoy the benefits of world class facilities that will enhance our prospects of extending our medal tally on home soil.

"We are delighted to receive such positive endorsement and it's extremely pleasing to receive this kind of feedback for Kelvingrove Bowls Centre, especially as the venue is the first to be completed," added Greg Warnecke, the head of sport at Glasgow 2014.

Five bowling greens have been upgraded to international standard for the Games, with seating for 2,500 spectators set to be installed for 2014.

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