CARNOUSTIE IS set to get a share of the economic windfall generated by Glasgow’s winning bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The army yesterday confirmed that, as was the case when Edinburgh was the main venue for the games in 1986, the live firing ranges at the Barry Buddon military training area, which lies on the promontory between Monifieth and Carnoustie, would be enlisted for the clay pigeon shooting and small-bore rifle events.

A spokeswoman for the army in Scotland said yesterday, “We are happy to once again be providing our facilities for the games organisers and the permanent staff at Barry Buddon will be acting as range commanders and safety officers while the various competitions take place.

“Although on this occasion those using the ranges will be civilians, from an organisational point of view the staff will treat the events in much the same way as if a visiting military unit was carrying out live firing at the facility.”

Carnoustie Community Council chairman Sue McMahon said, “I am delighted that the games organisers have again chosen Barry Buddon to host the shooting competitions.

“I am sure the competitors and their supporters will bring a touch of international sporting interest to the Carnoustie area and I would also hope that at least some of them will choose to stay locally to enjoy what we have to offer.

“This is wonderful news for the Carnoustie area and, with the Seniors Open also coming to the burgh in 2010, it will keep us very much in the international spotlight and provide a welcome boost to the local economy,” she added.

*The cost of hosting the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games will not spiral out of control, First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday.

Although delivering the event on time and on budget would require “great discipline,” Mr Salmond claimed the budget of £298 million had been the subject of rigorous examination.

“Glasgow’s bid was a bid built on solid foundations. Bricks and mortar, not wishful thinking,” he said.

He also vowed not to let the London 2012 Olympics swallow cash for grassroots sport in Scotland.