Virgin Media gets locals all a Twitter about Glasgow

Virgin Media, the UK's leading communications and entertainment company, has kick started its sponsorship of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games by finding out what Glaswegians love about their city.

100 Virgin Media staff from the company's Bellshill office took to the streets of Glasgow today to ask residents for their top tips, from restaurants and cafes to the best architecture, the hidden gems and where to find the best views of the city.

Locals were asked to Tweet @VMKeepUp using the hashtag #VMGlasgow2014 for a chance to win a new mobile, courtesy of Virgin Media's Buchanan Street store. Some of the best responses included:

@CurrieEwan says: Glaswegians are all why I love my city! #VMGlasgow2014

@big_j_1912 says: I love Glasgow because deep fried pizzas would be illegal in any other city #VMGlasgow2014.

@dipo356 says: I love Glasgow cos its becoming a more diverse city. #VMGlasgow2014.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Media, said: We can't wait for the Games to begin next year and wanted to create a taste of the atmosphere and fun the Games can bring. We thought that no one could shed light on the best bits of Glasgow better than Glaswegians themselves, so we brought 100 members of staff to town from our Bellshill offices to uncover and capture everything that's great about the city.

David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: There has been a real sense of fun at this event today and Virgin Media has really tapped in to the psyche of Glasgow and Glaswegians and what will make these Games a distinct festival of world-class sport and amazing cultures. It has been a celebration of what is great about the city and is a great indication of what kind of reception visitors can expect.

Douglas O'Neil, Head of Virgin Media's Bellshill centre added: With all the action today the Games are really starting to feel like a reality! It's been really exciting speaking with my fellow Glaswegian's about our city and I really feel like we have tapped into the spirit of the Games by encouraging them to share their favourite things.

The Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014 and feature 6,500 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth. They will compete in the largest sporting and cultural event to happen in Scotland in a generation, with over one million people expected to attend 11 days of world class competition and up to 15,000 volunteers helping to make it happen.

Virgin Media employs around 800 staff in its Bellshill Centre, just east of Glasgow, making it one of the largest employers in the area and a major site for Virgin Media Business, which provides cutting-edge telecommunications services for local businesses and public sector organisations.

20 year old Laura Muir, a 1500m runner who is aiming to be part of Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014, also joined in the fun and said: It is great to see everyone from Virgin Media getting involved and excited about the Games coming to Glasgow. Like all the athletes hoping to be on the team, I am really focused on competing well over the next few months and securing my place. As a student at Glasgow University I know what an exciting city this is and what a great job it will do in hosting the Games and creating a carnival atmosphere.

Scotland's Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf said: In 2014, Scotland will welcome the world to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - everyone will play a special role as ambassadors for our wonderful country.

The staff from Virgin Media have today given us a taste of the warm welcome that await visitors from home and abroad next year. I thank them and Virgin Media - one of Glasgow's most prominent employers - for giving such strong support to the Games.

Tony Grace, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business said: Our expertise in delivering technology that enables a better nation remains an important focus for us. The Games demonstrate our long term commitment to Scotland and it's a great chance to celebrate all things Scottish, starting with today's activity in Glasgow.

For journalist enquiries contact

Press Office

t: 0207 909 2225

e: pressoffice@virginmedia.co.uk

About Virgin Media

Virgin Media is the first provider of all four broadband, TV, mobile phone and home phone services in the UK.

The company's cable network the result of multi-billion pound private investment delivers ultrafast broadband to over half of all UK homes, with speeds of up to 120Mb, as well as market leading connectivity to thousands of public and private sector organisations across the country.

Virgin Media has developed the most advanced interactive television service, bringing together broadcast TV, thousands of hours of on demand programming and the best of the web in a single set-top box powered by TiVo. The company was the first to offer HD TV and 3D on demand to millions of British households.

The world's first virtual mobile network was launched by Virgin Media and it is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.

Virgin Media is a part of Liberty Global plc, the world's largest broadband communications group. Together Virgin Media and Liberty Global serve 25 million customers across 14 countries, helping connect people to the digital world and enabling them to discover and experience its endless possibilities.

For more information, go to www.virginmedia.com

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