The 2014 Games team arrive back at Glasgow Airport

First Minister Alex Salmond, who arrived from Sri Lanka with the bid team, said it had been a "fantastic week" for Glasgow and Scotland.

Mr Salmond said: "It is mission accomplished thus far."

He said Glasgow now had to work at a "cracking pace" to deliver on its pledge to stage the greatest games the Commonwealth had ever witnessed.

Mr Salmond and key members of the team were piped through the arrivals area after touching down at Glasgow Airport.

He described the athletes on the bid team as "heroes."

He added that Scotland was held in high regard and in terms of the self confidence of the nation that was of great significance.

Royal command

Mr Salmond will make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

The following day, the games strategic committee will meet to map out the next steps, and Glasgow Council leader Steven Purcell will report to his local authority.

Mr Purcell paid tribute to Louise Martin, chair of the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland.

He described her as a special friend of Glasgow and the leader of the bid.

He said: "She was affectionately known as our queen.

"She spoke with royal command and those commands were carried out.

"We are clear in our minds the hard work begins now.

"We only have seven years to deliver the pledges we have made."

He said the games would be a "fortnight of magic".