THOUSANDS of delegates were left waiting in the cold for nearly two hours to get into COP26 - but it didn’t dampen the buzz of the summit.

Delegates and media from all over the world were left battered by the windy Clydeside at the second checkpoint on the way into the summit, at some points only moving half a step forward in the space of 10 minutes.

There was not much to do, except watch a forlorn UN banner hanging from the Finnieston Crane succumb to the elements.

It still took another half an hour in the thankfully much warmer inside queue before hitting airport style security, where delegates from all over the world lined up ready to be searched and get their accreditation.

And there were thousands. In the queue there were delegates from Denmark, Argentina, Sweden, and one panicking staffer from an unidentified country trying to make sure a minister had the correct VIP passes.

READ MORE: COP26 LIVE: World leaders gather in Glasgow as UN climate summit begins

There was certainly a different buzz in the air, the drone photographs of the transformation of the SEC campus don’t quite do it justice.

The covered walkways allow delegates to hide from the inevitable Glasgow rain as they walk between the SEC and the Hydro, with both venues hosting scores of different events.

Everything is adorned in UN posters, colours and flags, even the policing is in the hands of the UN, with officers in black and gold uniforms, a stark difference from the high-vis yellow of Police Scotland.

The SEC, now international ground, has been revamped with new signs directing delegates through the maze of exhibition spaces, offices, meeting rooms, and to a two-floor media tower at the end of the venue hosting hundreds of international journalists.

And each country is clearly keen to showcase their green credentials, Sweden has what feels like an Ikea-inspired space, heavy on using wood based materials and with a scandinavian minimalist feel.

Qatar had a grand space at the back of the hall, with draping beads giving the appearance of a waterfall, and bright television screens above it, while Australia touted a suncable which would connect to the Asia pacific and supply renewable energy. Turkey, the European Union, Brazil, and scores of other countries also put on exhibitions.

There were spaces for the Green Climate Fund, a science pavilion, and many others, while smaller countries, including Scotland, have a small office space at the back of the SEC hall.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon catches up with activist Greta Thunberg​ at COP26

Delegations such as Georgia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Norway and the Central African Forests Commission were also spotted on nameplates outside of the office spaces. Although Scotland may have a small presence, one Scottish staff member told The National that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appeared to be the only leader to come in through the front door.

Other leaders, like Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden, were brought into the campus via a motorcade, one of electric vehicles of course.

The FM was spotted around the campus throughout the day, although The National didn’t manage to catch her, while other leaders were kept securely behind doors at the opening ceremony and speeches - where only 10 pre-approved journalists were allowed in the room.

The National:

The expansive media centre has two floors packed with journalists

There is certainly enthusiasm on the ground, and while delegates get used to the expansive SEC campus, and the Glaswegian weather, there is certainly a lot on the agenda to avert catastrophic global warming.

It would be impossible to attend every talk or discussion being held over the next two weeks, but at least delegates will be kept running on the complimentary coffee dotted around the arena. 

It remains to be seen if there will still be the same energy once world leaders have returned to their respective countries on Wednesday.