BIG MAC started it, Flybe carried it on and now volunteering to help Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth Games could lead to an officially recognised qualification.

Derek Casey, director of the bid team will today tell the Scottish Association of Local Sports Council in Airth of his plans to provide a "great personal legacy".

Casey has spoken to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership and the Scottish Qualifications Authority and a range of other agencies to explore the possibility of qualifications being available for appropriate volunteers.

Ahead of his keynote speech, Casey said: "The skills that our 15,000 volunteers will have will vary widely as we expect they will come from every background, from unskilled to professional and from throughout the country. They will have a huge range of experiences and expertise.

"However, a qualification will recognise that some volunteers are gaining key skills through being part of the games. What a great personal legacy.

"The one thing that defined the bidding phase was the excellent partnerships between the Scottish government, Glasgow City Council, the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland, the private sector and a huge number of other organisations. It is vital that we continue that way of working when planning the volunteer force for the games."

Casey said it is important to recognise the contribution of volunteers will have and reward them with qualifications.

"It is really important to recognise the contribution of the volunteers, whom we have promised the Commonwealth Games Federation will be knowledgeable, capable and well-trained,"said Casey.

He will call for organisations to work together on establishing what kind of qualification is appropriate and which skills should be recognised.

As well as participating in test events such as the Scottish National Swimming Championships in March 2014, during the games volunteers will be responsible for a wide range of functions from welcoming visitors, transporting officials, helping spectators with tickets and directions, and assisting officials at the opening and closing ceremonies.

Casey added: "There is a huge amount of really good work that has already been done in training volunteers in Scotland and recognising achievement. We should bring that expertise together."

Aileen Ponton, chief executive of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQF), said: "Recognising the value of an individual's learning, skills and knowledge is what the SCQF is all about, and between now and 2014 we and our partners will work towards finding a way to provide tangible on-going benefits to the games' volunteers."

Martin Sime, director of SCVO, added: "So many good things in Scotland, including amateur sport, are underpinned by the efforts of thousands of volunteers so this seems like an excellent initiative."

George Thomson, chief executive of Volunteer Development Scotland, said he approved of a qualification. He said: "Volunteers will play a vital role in the success and spirit of the games and it's right that their quality and skills will be recognised with qualifications, along with memories that will last a lifetime."