On Thursday afternoon, Boston’s local media broadcasted a significant event led by Mayor Michelle Wu. At this gathering, Wu announced a pivotal agreement that marks a new chapter for the city. Among the attendees was a visible figure clad in a kilt and a t-shirt that humorously stated, “I’m not perfect, but I am Scottish, and that’s kind of the same thing.”
The signed agreement establishes Boston and Glasgow as twin cities. As Wu explained, this arrangement aims to “create new opportunities for meaningful cooperation and mutual growth” However, a more revealing statement highlighted the “longstanding ties between Scotland and the United States” along with the “the goodwill generated during the Fifa World Cup 2026” This essentially formalizes Boston’s ongoing admiration for the Tartan Army.
Only ten days after their arrival in New England, Scottish fans have captivated another nation. Armed with a letter of support from FC Cologne, who had previously embraced the Scots two years ago, they have charmed residents in Boston and beyond. The fans’ antics, their exploration of tailgating, and their lively dance moves at baseball games have become an American tradition, with videos circulating widely on social media.
Since their crucial and nerve-wracking win against Haiti at Boston Stadium, some fans have returned home, but many more have landed to take their place. Most of these newcomers have been greeted at Logan Airport by reporters. A particular point of intrigue for the media has been the Tartan Army’s drinking prowess, especially following reports that the Sam Adams taproom in downtown had been “We’ve been planning for this since December and made sure we had plenty of Tennent’s in the US,” by the fans. In reality, while supplies did not run out entirely, additional orders were required after the bar served 3,000 pints of its Boston lager within just 48 hours.
Other establishments reported similar experiences. The Irish pub Hennessey’s announced sales three times higher than their typical St. Patrick’s Day figures. Meanwhile, The Dubliner, located next to the FIFA fan fest and a favored spot for the Tartan Army, claimed it had experienced its busiest week ever. Although they did not run out of beer, their distributor faced shortages. The situation prompted Tennent’s to release a statement reassuring customers. “So we’re confident that supplies will continue to meet the demand.” stated Hazel Alexander, a senior brand manager from the UK. “The locals are just incredible, they’re so happy to see us,”
The reception from Boston locals has been overwhelmingly positive, as noted by Adam Robb from Aberdeenshire. “Surprised to see us, I think, in these kind of numbers, but the reception has been unbelievable.” he remarked. “I reported it as missing and I was at the police station,”
As evidence of this warm welcome, Robb shared that Boston police had treated him to breakfast after he misplaced his passport on a hike between matches. “The cops bought me an egg and cheese muffin while I was waiting, which was amazing.” he recounted. “I think we’re up to about £700,” With no ticket for the upcoming match against Morocco, Robb is monitoring resale sites, but prices are escalating. “It was down to £350 before the Haiti game, but I think all these videos are going about and people getting the FOMO. They’re like: ‘Oh, we’re going to have to get part of that.’ I think a lot of them will be Americans.” he mentioned. “They’re all coming in and saying ‘shit’,”
Robb plans to pass the time leading up to the game by exploring Boston’s cultural offerings and abstaining from alcohol “Boston is loving all the Scottish people. Screw the British, the Scottish are coming!” Others may opt to continue the trend of placing traffic cones on Boston statues, a practice that reportedly pays homage to a longstanding tradition on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street. Alternatively, they might visit an off-licence that has become a must-see for Scottish tourists, not for its products, but for its name. Jobi Liquors has attracted thousands, who find humor in its name. “They’re all coming in and saying ‘shit’,” said Jobi’s owner, Jim, in a viral video. “Boston is loving all the Scottish people. Screw the British, the Scottish are coming!”
