The Tartan Army has arrived in force in Boston as fans kick off celebrations ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years.
Among the thousands of fans are some famous faces too as First Minister John Swinney, singer Clare Grogan, actor Gerard Butler and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd are also all in attendance.
The stars have made the trip to the Massachusetts capital ready for the team’s first fixture against Haiti on Saturday, June 13 with the game being broadcast live on the BBC back home at 2am on Sunday, June 14.
They were among the guests who were welcomed by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.
Butler wore a kilt and football shirt and gave a thumbs up as he arrived at the event held in aid of Street Soccer Scotland.
View 2 ImagesGordon Ramsay during a training session at the Revolution Training Centre in Foxborough, Massachusetts(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Other stars seen arriving at the gala include actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher and broadcaster Gordon Smart.
Arriving in a tartan-covered car was Mike Mulraney, the president of the Scottish Football Association, and Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Premier League. Former rugby union player Gregor Townsend also attended the event.
Meanwhile, Scots chef Gordon Ramsay has been spotted during Scotland’s final training session ahead of their World Cup opener tonight.
Bars in the city have been flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire including the Scotland House at the Anchor Bar, where a water fountain was filled with foam as fans began their celebrations.
A group of fans at the Scottish pub The Haven unveiled a massive flag with the slogan “The Party’s Back”.
One fan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing for it, it’s been six months of waiting.”
Another said: “I’ve been saving up for months and months to be here.”
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One inspirational Scot, Craig Ferguson was also met with a huge applause as he completed a 3,000-mile kilted charity walk across the United States in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The 22-year-old managed to complete the hike, which he started in February in Los Angeles, with a day to spare and was met by local pipers at Boston Common on Friday.
There he was also greeted by crowds of supporters, members of the Tartan Army and Scottish expats, some waving Scotland flags as they cheered and chanted “no Scotland, no party”.
Mr Ferguson afterwards said the reception was “everything (he) could have dreamed of”.
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Shortly before finishing the walk Mr Ferguson, who is from Paisley, also learned the Scottish Government had made a £400,000 donation to his walk – and he has now reached his £1 million fundraising target.