Thursday July 16th 2026
Glasgow SEC
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Glasgow’s SEC brought in an economic boost of £557 million last year, a meeting heard.
Councillors discussed the positive impact of Glasgow hosting major music festivals and other attractions as they made calls for government talks over more Police Scotland funding to help with events.
During one quarter this year, Police Scotland assessed 240 events and deployed resources into 64 events, and 100 processions and protests needing monitoring and planning, councillor Paul McCabe told a council meeting.
Speaking at the city’s most recent council meeting, he added: “Glasgow is Scotland’s premier events city. We are recognised internationally as a leading destination for sporting, cultural and entertainment events. We should be proud of that reputation. These events deliver enormous benefits. Last year Glasgow Life events attracted half a million people.
“Destination Glasgow generated £153 million for our economy whilst the SEC delivered an economic impact of £557 million to Scotland and Glasgow.
“These benefits support jobs, business, tourism and investment across our city. However we must also recognise that hosting major events brings significant demands.”
Bailie McCabe spoke as he moved an amendment following a motion from Bailie Kevin Lalley expressing concern about police being diverted away from local areas during major events.
SNP Councillor McCabe added: “As chair of the Safe Glasgow Partnership I know that operational policing decisions sit rightly with Police Scotland however it is entirely appropriate that we scrutinise those events adequately and the processes that they follow.
“While we all want Glasgow to continue to attract these world class events we also want residents to see the visible neighbourhood policing so that people feel safe in their neighbourhoods and also people who attend these events are also equally safe.”
Following the motion from Labour councillor Lalley and accepted amendments, Glasgow City Council agreed to write to the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and COSLA about police funding.
The motion said the council would write to the “Scottish Government, Police Scotland and COSLA seeking engagement on whether current police funding and resource allocation arrangements adequately reflect the additional and recurring demands experienced by cities hosting major national and international events.”
A report is also requested to be prepared outlining the impact of major events on neighbourhood policing capacity among other issues.
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