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Bye Bye Boston: Scotland's Tartan Army bids farewell to sleepless city
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Bye Bye Boston: Scotland's Tartan Army bids farewell to sleepless city

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Scotland's football fans, known as the Tartan Army, have left Boston after a significant presence during the World Cup, heading to Miami.
  • Local businesses, particularly bars, reported a substantial increase in sales due to the fans' patronage.
  • Despite a recent loss, Scottish fans remain optimistic about qualifying for the knockout stages and are looking forward to their next match in Miami.

Scotland's fervent football supporters, affectionately known as the Tartan Army, have departed Boston, leaving the city quieter but richer from their visit.

I wasn't sure about the States hosting the World Cup but they've done us proud really. From the police to the bar staff and the locals, it's been a really beautiful experience.

— Karl JohnstonA 57-year-old civil servant from Glasgow reflects on the positive experience of Scottish fans in Boston.

Thousands of fans, clad in Scotland's dark blue jerseys and traditional kilts, filled Boston for the team's return to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus. They significantly outnumbered and out-partied fans of other nations whose teams played in the city. Even a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Friday did little to dampen their spirits, as Scotland still has a strong chance of advancing to the knockout rounds following their earlier win against Haiti.

Local businesses, especially bars, experienced a significant boost. Adam Romanow, CEO of Castle Island Brewing Co., noted that sales of his company's beer at the landmark Cheers bar were up 75% in June compared to last year. "We knew the city was going to be busy but we didn't realise that they were going to drink so much," he said.

We knew the city was going to be busy but we didn't realise that they were going to drink so much.

— Adam RomanowAdam Romanow, founder and CEO of Boston-based Castle Island Brewing Co., on the impact of Scottish fans on his business.

Martha Sheridan, CEO of Meet Boston, highlighted the positive economic impact, mentioning that bar staff received substantial tips and that tax revenues for the city and state would increase. "But none of that compares to just the pure joy and camaraderie that we're all experiencing right now," Sheridan added. "I feel like we have a new lifelong friend in Scotland."

But none of that compares to just the pure joy and camaraderie that we're all experiencing right now. I feel like we have a new lifelong friend in Scotland.

— Martha SheridanMartha Sheridan, chief executive of Meet Boston, on the overall positive impact of the fans.

Fans like Karl Johnston, a 57-year-old civil servant from Glasgow, described their experience as "beautiful," praising the hospitality from police, bar staff, and locals. As the Tartan Army moves on to Miami for Scotland's final group game against Brazil, Johnston expressed excitement for the next leg of their journey: "Miami Beach, palm trees, samba, Tartan Army. It's football heaven isn't it?"

Miami Beach, palm trees, samba, Tartan Army. It's football heaven isn't it?

— Karl JohnstonKarl Johnston expresses his anticipation for the next stage of the World Cup in Miami.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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