TEAM Scotland has confirmed the final members of its squad ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with two county stars among the athletes included.

Jamie Bowie, East Lothian Council’s athletics development officer, is included in the 4x400m relay squad, while Gullane’s Emily Dudgeon is in the squad for the 800m.

They join a number of other county stars already picked for the Games in a variety of different sports.

For Dudgeon, putting in a good performance in front of a home crowd is her main aim, as she looks to mount a qualification campaign towards the Rio de Janerio Olympics in two years’ time.

She told Courier Sport: “For me it is all about putting in a performance I can be proud of. Next year is the European Under-23 Championships in Tallinn, and I’m hoping to be part of that.” The 21-year old, from West Links Road in Gullane, juggles an impressive athletics career with another love, as she studies medicine at Cambridge University. She admits that can be problematic, but enjoys the challenge.

She said: “I enjoy running and I enjoy studying medicine so it isn’t too much of an issue for me.

“In the short-term, running is definitely my main focus, because I’ll only get a limited shot at it. It can be challenging but I don’t feel like I’m missing out on too much with friends.” Dudgeon admitted she was delighted when her place in Team Scotland was confirmed.

“Everyone that achieved the qualifying time was notified last Monday, but I didn’t find out until the Thursday I had made the team,” she said.

“It was really exciting to finally find out.” Meanwhile, Bowie will aim to build on relay silver at the World Indoor Championships as he takes his place in the 4x400m squad in Glasgow.

The 25-year old is raring to go, saying: “It’s my first Commonwealth Games so that is the fisrt exciting part, and to be part of a home Games makes it all the more special.” Bowie, who is the athletics development officer in the county, will continue his preparations at the British Championships in Birmingham next weekend.

“I finished fifth in the final last year and ran two personal bests so I’m hoping to perform well again this year,” he added.

Having achieved the qualifying standard for Team Scotland, Bowie admits that the team announcement in Stirling last week allowed him a chance to reflect on his achievements.

He said: “When I achieved the qualifying time, there was a real sense of relief, but being there [the announcement] and seeing all the athletes from the other sports made it feel more real.” “It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a home Games.” The runner is excited by the prospect of having friends and family watching him compete in Glasgow.

He added: “My family have tickets and a few work colleagues, and the kids that I work with have been getting tickets – it feels like everyone wants to be a part of it.” There is now little over a month go to until the Games begin, with the county duo set to compete in front of a packed Hampden Park, transformed from an international football arena to host the athletics events next month.