WITH four-and-a-half days of competition to spare, Team Scotland surpassed their pre-Commonwealth Games medal target with ease.

Shooter David McMath won Scotland’s thirtieth medal of Gold Coast 2018 to ensure these are now Scotland’s most successful overseas Commonwealth Games, bettering the tally of 29 medals won at Melbourne 2006.

It may have been McMath’s gold yesterday that made history for Scotland but over two dozen athletes have contributed to the incredible success at these Games including swimmer Duncan Scott’s six medals, the Archibald siblings both winning medals on the same evening and the men’s gymnastics squad yet again getting on the podium.

READ MORE: Team Scotland pass medal target

While sporting success is never guaranteed, there is a feeling that Scotland have found a system in which world-class athletes are produced with remarkable regularity. And what is most encouraging is the spread of sports that Scotland can now compete with the world’s best.

Part of the secret is the level of professionalism which now runs through elite sport in this country and the athletes are reaping the benefits.

However, there is another, perhaps more powerful force in play. There is a belief within Scottish sport these days that Scottish athletes are as good as anyone. There is a momentum building within Scottish sport and when Scots see their compatriots achieve such remarkable success on the global stage, it acts as a catalyst for every other athlete in the country.

READ MORE: Team Scotland pass medal target

The success at these Games is a remarkable testament to the development of sport in this country - and the good news is that there is little sign of the progress slowing down any time soon.