After 28 years of agony the Tartan Army have announced their arrival back on the world stage – and fans have been celebrating in style by getting the lunchtime beers in.
The Scotland invasion of Boston is in full swing, with sweaty fans kitted out in bucket hats and kilts dotted around the city as far at the eye can see.
Baffled locals have been left in shock with shouts of No Scotland, No Party and We’ll Be Coming heard being belted out from every street corner.
The sun has been shining in the city, with temperatures around 32C – but excited supporters have been keeping hydrated by guzzling plenty of lager.
Stuart Innes, 56, is original from Inverkeithing in Fife but now lives in Minneapolis. The project manager met his two boys Ethan, 19, and Elliot, 17, off the plane from Scotland as the headed into the city centre to soak up the early atmosphere.
View 5 ImagesStuart Innes pictured with sons Ethan and Elliot.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Stuart told the Record: “It’s really exciting. The last week’s been going in slow motion – almost reverse time. So now that we’re here, we just can’t wait to wait for it.
“I’ve come from Minnesota. I’ve been here about 30 odd years. The fans aren’t used to this weather so, as well as the beer, they just have to drink plenty of water too!
“We’ve got tickets for the match on Saturday. I got them on the very last open ballot which is brilliant. They were good price too. We just can’t wait for it, I’m going for a 3-1 win. Come on Scotland!”
Scotland fans have well and truly descended on Boston, with an estimated 20,000 people arriving from over the pond ahead of the much-anticipated opener against Haiti on Saturday night.
The city’s population is expected to swell by around 3% – and it didn’t take long for hundreds of supporters to find the well-placed Dubliner Irish Bar, situated outside the official Boston fan zone.
View 5 ImagesPaul McKay, Matt Lawson, Don Lawson and Kenny Bell.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Paul McKay, 56, from Aberdeen, Matt Lawson, 29, from Aviemiore, Don Lawson, and Kenny Bell, 58, both from Inverness were sat outside enjoying the sunshine at lunchtime.
Don, who owns the Jonny Foxes bar in the city, said: “We flew via Amsterdam. Everything went to plan, we couldn’t have missed this for the world.”
Matt, a personal trainer, added: “There’s a lot of Scotland fans at the hotel, it’s good craic. It’s fantastic to be here. We’ve all got tickets for the game too.
“I think what I’ve seen in the last two games, I think we’re looking at a 3-1 win. I think Haiti might score because they look powerful going forward in numbers – but I think we will be comfortable.”
William Mason, 67, Cathy Coban, 69, Derek Coban, 71, all from Aberdeen and Ray Wilkie, 79, were sitting nearby.
View 5 ImagesWillie mason, Cathy Tobban, Derek Tobban and Ray Wilkie.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Ray, who works for Scottish Water and is from Montrose, told the Record: “It took us ages to get here, but now we are here it feels amazing. We had to have an overnight in Dublin but it’s been an amazing trip already.
“We’ve paid stupid prices for tickets to the games – $800 a pair – but after waiting 28 years I think it will be worth it!
“We are all confident for a win. 2-1 I think, Shankland to get at least one.”
Soon enough a supporter carrying a boom box speaker arrived walking down the city centre – much to the excitement of the passing revellers. All the classic hit began being belted out – including Yes Sir I Can Boogie and A Letter From America.
You could have been forgiven for thinking this was late in the evening – but the party was just getting started.
View 5 ImagesLouise Reid and Pamela Hamilton.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Louise Reid, 48, and her best pal Pamela Hamilton, 45, both from Airdrie, were seen dancing, soaking up the atmosphere.
Pamela, who works as a learning assistant at a primary school, said: “We’ve just been recovering from the jetlag but the vibes have already been amazing.
“I fell asleep at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and that was me right through to 3 in the morning. Feeling fresh as a daisy! The weather has been unbearable – but do you know what, we don’t get the sun in Scotland. It’s been lovely – let’s just make the most of it!
“We’ve not got tickets for the game but we will be watching from the fan zone. We are confident for a big win. 4-0 Scotland!”
View 5 ImagesTerry Higgins, Steve Mikkleson and Ryan Milne.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
Terry Higgins, 42, Steven Mikkleson, 41 and Ryan Milne, 44, arrived in Boston last night and have already been savouring the memories from the trip.
Terry, an engineer from Saltcoats, said: “We flew from Newcastle to Paris, then to Boston. We got in last night and we’re just trying to soak up the atmosphere and see what’s happening.”
Ryan, a glass artist from Dundee, added: “We’ve got tickets for the Haiti match. The prices were crazy but when Scotland qualified after all these years we knew we had to be there. At the end of the day, the money comes and goes – memories stay for ever. When we grow old, these will be the days we remember.”
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