11 July 2026

Although Scotland has had an early departure from the World Cup, their fans made a big impact on the game. So much so that the Mayor of Boston expressed her gratitude for the Tartan Army in a full page spread in the Boston Sunday Globe. This is what she wrote:

‘Dear Tartan Army, you came for the World Cup, but gave us something more. For a week, you turned train stations into sing-alongs, Fenway into a football ground, and an ordinary June into something we'll be talking about for years…. Thank you for the laughter, the bagpipes and the memories. The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we'll never forget the joy you brought to our city.’

The Tartan Army reciprocated with a full page spread in the Herald. ‘Dear Boston, thank you for welcoming us with open arms, open bars and open minds ….  Boston, you’ve embraced us like long-lost cousins who turned up unannounced, drank all your beer, decorated your statues and somehow remained welcome. You are all welcome back at ours to keep the party going.’

With tartan, bagpipes and traffic cones, it would be difficult to miss the Scotland fans. They certainly made their mark. So much so that the bonds between Boston and Glasgow have been strengthened in a prospective twinning.

Through an international opportunity to play, the one was grateful for the other. It was the human contact which made all the difference. Friendships were made, memories created, new life celebrated through sport, a common humanity and these letters of gratitude!