Whether they hold the trophy aloft on 19 July or not – and even the most optimistic fan would wager that it’s probably a “not” – Scotland has already won the World Cup. An estimated 30,000 fans have travelled to Boston to watch the country’s first two matches – and it was on nobody’s bingo card that the city’s inhabitants would fall so hard for them.
For a tiny nation (Scotland’s population is just under 5.5 million, almost half the size of London’s, never mind England’s, which stands at 58.6 million), its supporters pack a mighty punch. Known as the “Tartan Army”, their love of the game, the homeland and the randan (party) is second to none.
Never has a nation better exemplified the ethos of “it’s not the winning, but the taking part that counts”. In the words of one supporter: “That’s how we roll. We dinnae wreck the joint, we dinnae beat folk up. We’re there tae have a laugh and watch our team get beat eventually.”
They know they won’t win. But this is the first time Scotland has qualified for the World Cup in 28 years. Supporters have moved heaven and earth to be there. Sunday’s inaugural game against Haiti – which they won 1-0 – was the first time Scotland had scored in a World Cup for 36 years. Of course, they’re going to bring their A-game. As the Tartan Army never tire of singing: “No Scotland, no party.”
Scottish football fans have always travelled well, thanks to an innate bonhomie that other nations sometimes lack. But never have their travels been so well-documented. On TikTok, Instagram and X, footage abounds of jubilant scenes and random acts of kindness. To say the Army drinks a lot is an understatement, yet in the main, they’re deliriously happy drunks. “Everyone’s been great – the dancing, the chanting. I’ve never been around so much positive energy in my life,” said Jeff Baird, owner of The White Bull Tavern, adding that after running out of beer on Sunday, he’d tripled his order in time for Friday’s game. “We’ve been open for eight years, and this is my highlight.”
Some Bostonians are calling their guests “emotional support Scots”. Others are pointing out that, in a country riddled with political tensions, their joyfulness is exactly what the country needs. “They’re teaching us that it’s ok to be happy sometimes,” one local posted. “Misery doesn’t have to be a lifestyle.”
Scotland fans wait outside The Dubliner bar before a World Cup watch party (Photo: Mel Musto/Getty)And then there are the bagpipes. I always thought you had to be Scottish to appreciate their discordant “skirl”, a high-pitched wailing that moves most Scots to tears almost immediately. Turns out that Americans love them, too. When Boston resident Mike Morrison was woken at 6.30am to the sound of bagpipes blaring out from a nearby Airbnb decked out in Scottish flags (obvs), the footage he posted on Instagram went viral. The Scots invited him over for a beer: he reciprocated by inviting them over for a barbecue. After one supporter offered Morrison a ticket to Scotland v Morocco – his first football match – a true friendship was born. He was last spotted with his face painted in the Scottish flag, a blue and white Saltire.
While some fans are busy forging friendships, others have more lascivious leisure pursuits in mind. All over Instagram, women are posting about how they want a Scottish husband. Instagram user Daniel Euan Henderson is betting that the Tartan Army will leave a lasting legacy – the Boston Bairns. “There are kilted men ravishing the streets of Boston, spreading love, positivity and legs,” he jokes. Although maybe it’s not a joke. “Correct!” replied one user. “These damn kilts and accents will get us every time!” “Thank you, Scottish people, for your contribution to our future.” Suddenly, the Tartan Army is the internet’s new boyfriend.
But what has impressed locals even more than the prospect of what’s under the Tartan Army’s kilts is their kindness. Despite their rabid 24/7 partying, no carnage have they left behind. “It costs nothing to be respectful – it’s just being nice,” said one Scot, interviewed by a Boston news channel in front of a pristine public space. Upon hearing of a local tradition in which Boston residents shone lights into the rooms of children staying at a hospital to wish them goodnight, the Scots leapt to join in, serenading the children with bagpipes. “Scotland fans give back!” posted a local. They certainly do. In gratitude for the hospitality they’ve received from residents, The Boston Globe reports that Scottish fans have donated $30,000 (£22,000) to a range of local charities.
After Friday’s face-off against Morocco, the Tartan Army will bid Boston farewell and move to Miami, in preparation for next Wednesday’s match against Brazil. Let’s hope their kegs are ready. Given Brazil is one of the favourites to win (current odds are 8/1), this could be Scotland’s last game. But even when they’re gone, they won’t be forgotten. “Can we have an annual hosting of Scotland?” one Bostonian posted on TikTok. “I think Americans should start celebrating Burns Night,” said another.
Hold that thought. While Burns Night staple haggis is still banned in the US (since 1971, given its inclusion of sheep’s lung) plans are afoot to make Boston and Glasgow twin cities, with Boston’s mayor signing a statement of intent to cement their sister city partnership.
If the Tartan Army has anything to do with it, world peace can surely not be far behind.
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