Scotland's team is preparing for the 2006 Games in Melbourne

First Minister Jack McConnell has launched a two-month campaign aimed at boosting a Scottish team spirit in efforts to secure the event.

Mr McConnell unveiled an official website promoting the bid, supported by successful Scottish athletes.

Other cities bidding for the 2014 Games include Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and the Nigerian city of Abuja.

Mr McConnell said: "When we sit round the table with the other Commonwealth countries in Australia I want them to know that our bid has the full backing of the Scottish people.

I ask the people of Scotland to demonstrate to the Commonwealth their tremendous enthusiasm for their nation's bid Jack McConnell First Minister

"Today I ask the people of Scotland to demonstrate to the Commonwealth their tremendous enthusiasm for their nation's bid."

The first minister - who said bid supporters included Kenny Dalglish, Billy Boyd, Rod Stewart and Sir Alex Ferguson - added: "Today is the next step on our journey and now is the time for all Scots to join them."

Head of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, Louise Martin, said: "I am delighted with the brand developed for our bid.

"I believe it has a strong Scottish feel with a modern, vibrant image that reflects our nation.

"I look forward to seeing it used in a variety of ways as we develop our plans for promoting the bid in Melbourne and beyond."

A final decision on where the event will be held is due in November 2007.

Rod Stewart is urging Scotland to pick up the baton

The 2002 Manchester games featured about 5,000 athletes and officials from 72 countries, participating in 17 sports.

This year's event will take place in Melbourne, Australia.

The cost to host the games in Scotland has been estimated at �250m, which would be split 80%-20% between the Scottish Executive and the city.

Council leader Steven Purcell said: "This is Scotland's bid as much as Glasgow's.

"A successful bid will have incredible benefits and spin-offs for the city and the whole country.

"I know the bid has already caught the public's imagination."

The campaign has received backing from Scottish National Party Holyrood leader Nicola Sturgeon.

'Role models'

She said: "Not only will the Commonwealth Games bring a huge boost to Glasgow, they are also a fantastic opportunity for Scotland's top-quality athletes to be represented at a Scottish level across a wide range of sports.

"Scottish athletes will be fantastic role models for a new generation of sporting stars in Scotland -and I also hope that in turn the first minister will be inspired to give his support to the creation of a Scottish Olympic team giving Scottish athletes the opportunity to realise their dreams at Olympic level."

The Scottish Tories also declared their support.

Bill Aitken, Tory MSP for Glasgow region, said: "It would be a fantastic sporting double for Britain if this bid was to be successful on the back of London's winning bid for the 2012 Olympics.

"To help turn this dream into reality, I hope that the bid team seeks the advice of Seb Coe, who won the Olympics for Britain.