Chris to the Commonwealths as Purdie Named Deputy Chef

SSS Head of Competitions Chris Purdie has been named as Team Scotland’s Deputy Chef de Mission for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

This appointment follows roles as General Team Manager at Birmingham 2022 and Chef de Mission at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Head of Competitions at Scottish Student Sport, Chris brings a wealth of experience of major multi-sport Games, including the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with Team GB and four World University Games, alongside his Commonwealth Games experience. He led the British team as Chef de Mission at the World University Winter Games in 2023, having previously served as Deputy Chef de Mission in 2019.

Chris will work closely with Elinor Middlemiss MBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, in leading the team for the Glasgow 2026 Games.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Deputy Chef de Mission for Team Scotland at the 2026 Games in Glasgow”, he said.

“It will be a real honour and privilege to represent Scotland at a home Games . I have had some  fantastic moments working with Team Scotland over the last four years, and I am looking forward to making this a truly memorable experience for both the competing athletes and support staff.”

Stew Fowlie, Scottish Student Sport COO said: “Chris’ appointment by Team Scotland is a fitting testament to his leadership attributes and his sustained, impactful commitment to major games over the last ten years or so. “I am absolutely delighted that Chris has been successful with this new role, and I know he will play a central role in Team Scotland’s success at Glasgow 2026.

“Like any good employer, SSS will be happy to fully support his involvement – and I look forward to witnessing Chris’ continued growth and development through this latest piece of high level volunteering. Well done Chris and well done Team Scotland!”

Welcoming Chris to the position, Jon Doig OBE, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris back to Team Scotland for Glasgow 2026. He excelled in leadership roles in Birmingham and Trinbago and his extensive experience of multi-sport events stands him in great stead to deliver a positive Games experience for our athletes.”

“The planning for these Games will, of course, be very different to previous editions, but what does not change is the commitment to ensuring our athletes are given the best possible preparation and support to achieve their goals. In Chris’s appointment, and those that follow, our focus is on creating the right environment to give our athletes the best possible opportunity to excel in Glasgow.”