East Dunbartonshire is behind you at the Commonwealth Games - that's the message to two top Scottish sports stars supported by a local programme. Kris Robertson and Diane Ramsay will both compete for medals at the Glasgow Games - with the athletic aces taking part in 4x400m relay events. Both Kris and Diane received backing from East Dunbartonshire's Elite Performer Support Programme - helping them to develop as athletes. East Dunbartonshire Council and the Leisure and Culture Trust have wished them both well as they compete on Friday 1 August. The 4x400m finals are on 2 August. Kris (26), from Bishopbriggs, said, "I am very excited about being part of a home Games. It will be great to hear the Glasgow roar and be in the stadium on the track alongside some great athletes. My aim is always to medal - I wouldn't do it if that wasn't the goal." The former Bishopbriggs High pupil added, "My local Council and club, Kirkintilloch Olympians, have been very supportive over the years." Diane (21) grew up in Milton of Campsie and attended St Machan's Primary School, Lennoxtown, and then St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch. She said, "I started athletics in primary seven after being determined to win my last flat race at sports day! I trained and competed for Kirkintilloch Olympians with Jim Docherty [of Twechar] as my coach. I had to move to another club, Victoria Park City of Glasgow, to be able to compete in higher level competitions. "I don't know if Kris remembers this, but when I first started out in athletics, I went to a Star Track camp in the Leisuredrome and Kris was the coach! "I am really looking forward to the Games." Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, said, "Best wishes to both Kris and Diane - I am delighted to see the progress both of these fine athletes have made, with backing from the Elite Performer Support Programme. "Their dedication and hard work is an inspiration - particularly to younger people who are being encouraged to get fit, active and involved in sport." There are a number of local sporting stars involved in the Games - including Olympic silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson - who trained at Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome, swimmer Calum Tait from Milngavie, badminton champ Imogen Bankier from Milngavie, cyclist Katie Archibald from Milngavie and swimmer Jack Thorpe from Milngavie. Scott Hill, chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, said, "I wish all our homegrown sportsmen and women the very best of luck in their adventures at the Glasgow Games. "I am delighted that both Kris and Diane benefited from the Elite Performer Support Programme and I hope they achieve their potential - both in the Games and beyond." A pioneering new scheme - the Athlete Performance Programme - is currently underway in East Dunbartonshire. The project is being rolled out by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust and the Council, in partnership with sportscotland, and is a key part of East Dunbartonshire's 2014 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme. The elite programme started in January with 117 athletes nominated by clubs and schools. A total of 22 were selected to take part and receive specialist support. Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook facebook.com/edunbartonshirecouncil Date: Monday 28 July 2014