Glasgow’s filthy streets and graffiti risk shaming Scotland at COP26 climate summit, council bosses warned – The Scottish Sun

SCOTLAND risks being shamed on a global stage by filthy streets when the nation hosts the UN’s showpiece climate summit, city bosses were warned today.

Shocking images reveal piles of rubbish and graffiti-scarred buildings near venues and hotels where 30,000 delegates, top politicians and the world’s media will gather.

Campaigners are now demanding a clean-up before the COP26 event in Glasgow in November.

Businessman James Mortimer, 76, said: “It’s a disgrace. We don’t want to show ourselves up.”

Mr Mortimer, a leisure tycoon, was among the politicians, campaigners and business leaders who issued a rallying cry for a blitz on rubbish and graffiti-scarred buildings.

Stark images reveal the extent of urban decay months before COP26 shines a global light on Scotland’s biggest city.

Mr Mortimer, who said rats have been spotted in the litter-strewn city centre, said: “It’s a disgrace. The city has deteriorated so badly. There’s vermin running about the streets.

“They’re coming out looking for food because there is nobody in the offices and shops. November isn’t far away and we don’t want to be giving ourselves a showing-up.”

Mr Mortimer, who owns private members club 29, said: “It’s great the world is coming to see us but we need to get together and get the city tidied up.”

And Tory MSP Liz Smith said: “It’s hardly the impression our host city wants to be giving COP26 delegates and others coming here for this huge event.