WITH less than a week to go until the XX Commonwealth Games kick off, Northern Ireland swimming competitors, Bethany Firth from Seaforde and Curtis Coulter from Newtownards are pictured as they prepare to dive into Scotland’s sporting summer.

As anticipation builds, Northern Ireland sports enthusiasts are encouraged to follow in their wake and cross the Irish Sea not only to support our sporting heroes but to enjoy Glasgow, the perfect gateway to exploring the rest of Scotland during 2014.

With key active Homecoming Scotland 2014 highlights including Tour o’ the Borders for keen cyclists, The Return of the Ridings for horse lovers, An Feis Mor,

Scotland’s festival of paddle sports and the picturesque Baxters Loch Ness Marathon. For more information visit www.homecomingscotland.com or to book go to www.stenaline.co.uk, alternatively for day trip information go to www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-britain/day-trips.