A few tearful farewells apart, there were broad smiles everywhere in the departure area as the Saltire-bedecked members of the Scottish archery, bowls, shooting and weightlifting teams set off on their Emirates Airline jet to India via Dubai. Though several travellers seemed a trifle apprehensive, it was going to take a lot more than a few worries about lack of venue preparedness and security issues to deter the veteran of them all, bowler Willie Wood. "We were out there in April and had no problems at all," said Wood, 72, who is attending his eighth Games, a Scottish individual record. "The security was fantastic, and we were well looked after by the police. The Indian government minister is now in charge of preparations and it seems to be on its way up after all the reports that we saw last week." The former world champion and Commonwealth gold medallist is constantly being asked a more personal question at the moment - will these be his last games? "I have said before that it was my last," said Wood. "It was as far back as 1988 when I got beaten in the world singles final by David Bryant, but since then I have won eight gold medals so I'll never say never again. This time I would love to win a gold, but I'll take a medal of any colour." Weightlifter Graeme Kane, by contrast, is making his first senior appearance in the Games. The 22-year-old from Irvine said: "There's been all sorts of speculation about whether things are going to be ready or not, but that's not our worry. We are just going to go out there and do our best and hopefully bring back a medal for the country." Bob Provan, archery team leader, feels that good communication has been key in keeping Team Scotland in a buoyant mood despite the horror stories in the media. He said: "We are getting really good updates from the people on the ground in Delhi, so we are reasonably comfortable. The feedback we were getting earlier in the week was that things just weren't acceptable at that time but they were still hopeful that things could be turned round." Worries over food hygiene have led several Scottish teams to pack their own supplies. Weightlifter Tommy Yule, 34, revealed the special foodstuff he is taking with him - porridge oats. Caroline Brownlie, the Edinburgh-born pistol shooter, has packed her computer in order to keep in touch with four-year-old son James who is staying at home with the family in Hampshire. She said: "It's my first games, and I'm mostly excited but a bit apprehensive as it's a completely different culture. There's a great atmosphere in the team, it's lovely. I'm the first female pistol shooter to compete, and I'd love to get into the finals of my events as I build up to 2014 in Glasgow where my aim is to go for a medal." Despite the latest high-profile withdrawal by tennis player Elena Baltacha, the Scots at Glasgow Airport all seemed hugely happy to be going to India, but it would be folly to downplay the problems that still need to be overcome before the opening ceremony on 3 October. All 71 countries eligible to take part have pledged to turn up, but some nations remain unhappy about health and security concerns. The Australian Government has refused to stop its team attending the Games despite warnings of "a high risk of terrorism" from the country's own Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Its website also warns of the dangers of dengue fever and malaria, both mosquito-borne diseases. It is the threat of those endemic diseases which played most on Baltacha's mind. Commonwealth Games Scotland Chairman Michael Cavanagh played down security fears, saying: "We have been receiving advice from the Met Police and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and our athletes and ourselves have been well briefed so there are no particular concerns that we did not have before. We are happy with the security plan." Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison will be attending the first week of the Games, with First Minister Alex Salmond going out for the second week. Politicians are often just glorified cheerleaders at these departure events, but Robison did not need to gee up the team members, though she issued a traditional rallying cry: "I look forward to offering my support to the team in Delhi and I am sure all of Scotland will join me in wishing everyone the very best of luck in their quest for Commonwealth glory."