By Tom Degun

Gregor Edmunds_17-04-12April 17 - Glasgow 2014 has today unveiled the 21st century tartan, created by teenage designer Aamir Mehmood, that is set to be a defining part of the fabric of the Commonwealth Games in two years' time.

Mehmood, a 15-year-old pupil at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow, beat thousands of fellow young designers from across Scotland with his winning pattern, which was created using Glasgow 2014's brand colours.

Pupils from more than 300 schools entered the competition and Mehmood's winning design was chosen by a six-strong judging panel.

The design incorporates blue, yellow, white and red to represent Scotland's national colours while a green landscape is used to highlight the 75 per cent bilingual nature of Shawlands, at which about 50 different languages are spoken.

Tartan, a special pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, is primarily associated with Scotland and Scottish kilts.

Mehmood's colourful plaid will now be seen by a worldwide audience of more than one billion people in the lead up to, and during, Glasgow 2014.

"It's an amazing feeling to know that my design is the official tartan for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games," said Mehmood (pictured below right).

"It will be seen all around the world, and I'm so privileged and proud to be a part of this huge sporting event coming to Glasgow and Scotland."

The design was officially showcased for the first time today by Glasgow's Gregor Edmunds (pictured top and below left), one of Scotland's strongest men and most passionate kilt wearers.

The 6ft 5in, 22-stone muscleman took to the catwalk at Shawlands to exclusively model the official new tartan on his kilt.

Edmunds, 34, crowned Scotland's Strongest Man in 2002, was cheered by an audience of pupils and VIPs, including Glasgow 2014's Games Partners.

The reigning World Highland Games champion spoke of his delight at being the first person to wear the new tartan.

Gregor Edmunds_and_teenage_Tartan_designer_Aamir_Mehmood_17-04-12
"As a proud Scotsman when competing around Scotland and the world I always wear a kilt, and I've got to say that this tartan is one of the best I've ever seen," he said.

"The colours and style are so bright and striking, it really is a well-thought-out and stunning design.

"Aamir should be incredibly proud that his hard work and ability have been recognised in such a manner."

It is anticipated that the tartan will be feature in showcase moments at Glasgow 2014, such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as on official merchandise and gifting.

"It really is a wonderful tartan," said Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith.

"It is recognisably 'Glasgow 2014', showcasing all the brand colours and I really believe the design highlights what the Games will be like for everyone involved when they are here in 2014 – the tartan is stylish, genuine, passionate and fun.

"Aamir has shown tremendous ability and effort in designing the official Glasgow 2014 Tartan.

"He's immensely proud to be involved in this historic moment for the whole of Scotland and we are delighted to have reached another milestone in our journey to Glasgow 2014."

Shona Robison, Scotland's Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, also hailed the new design.

"Scotland already has an enviable global reputation for creativity and the official Glasgow 2014 tartan is another great way to showcase the artistic talents of youngsters in Scotland.

"I would like to congratulate Aamir on his eye-catching winning entry and I look forward to it being used as the official Glasgow 2014 tartan, giving the Games a uniquely Scottish identity."

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