Boston embraces Scottish fans, proposes sister city status with Glasgow

Boston experienced an unprecedented influx of Scottish football fans, affectionately known as the Tartan Army, during the World Cup. Pub manager Brandon Finnan of the Cask 'n Flagon described the fortnight as one of the busiest ever, with beer sales soaring and a generally "lot of fun."

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We probably ran out of almost every beer at some point, but it was a lot of fun.

Finnan highlighted the fans' exceptional conduct, noting they "treated all the staff with nothing but respect" and took the time to understand local customs like tipping. He emphasized the positive atmosphere the fans brought to the city, stating, "The city really needed this positive atmosphere right now." This sentiment was echoed by city officials, with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu proposing a sister city relationship between Boston and Glasgow.

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They came in here. They've treated all the staff with nothing but respect.

The bond forged was so strong that the Boston Globe newspaper published a full-page advertisement celebrating the Tartan Army's impact. The ad read, "You came for the World Cup, but gave us something more." The Boston Red Sox President, Sam Kennedy, also sent a letter of thanks, describing the fans' visit to Fenway Park as "something none of us will forget."

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The city really needed this positive atmosphere right now, and I think it's brought a lot more than we expected, so we're all for it and we wish it would last longer.

With England fans now arriving for their match, Finnan anticipates a different dynamic. "England plays more of a favourite's role, whereas Scotland is more of an underdog," he said, suggesting the atmosphere might be "a little less wild." He added, "We've taken Scotland under our wings. We're in love with Scotland now, so we're on their side."

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You came for the World Cup, but gave us something more.