Making the announcement, Commonwealth Games and Scottish Sport Minister Shona Robison said the tickets were a "thank you" to individuals who have contributed to the Scottish Government's Games legacy programme.

The programme was launched in 2009 and aims to highlight the benefits to Scotland of hosting major sporting events, including this year's Commonwealth Games, and encourages the Scottish public to get involved in helping to create a lasting legacy through various community campaigns and initiatives.

"We are determined that there should be a lasting legacy from the Games," said Robison, who was joined by Scottish Para-athlete Meggan Dawson-Farrell to make the announcement at Perth High School Community Sport Hub.

"This gift of 5,000 legacy tickets will recognise the valuable contribution made by people to deliver a meaningful legacy.

"We're making sure we can say a big 'thank you' whilst offering beneficiaries the chance to see the best in sporting action, or experience the thrill of the Opening or Closing ceremony, and deliver an 'I was there when' moment.

"My hope is that the memories created by seeing the Games will last a lifetime."

The 5,000 tickets will reward individuals involved in Legacy 2014 activity and who otherwise might not get the opportunity to attend the Games.

They will be allocated by Legacy 2014 partners sportscotland, Education Scotland and Big Lottery Fund, Young Scot and NHS Scotland.

Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison (centre) says the 5,000 legacy tickets are a "thank you" to individuals involved in delivering legacy programmes ©Getty Images