Ever since the whistle blew to begin Scotland’s opening game of the World Cup against Haiti, the entire country has been united behind Steve Clarke and the team.
After 28 years of waiting, Scotland was back on the world stage and punching above its weight.
The sight of the team chasing every loose ball, fighting for every challenge and of John McGinn scoring our first World Cup goal in so long was phenomenal.
Scotland back where we belong.
After the victory against Haiti came defeat to Morocco – but the chance to get out of the group remains.
As we all look forward to the big match against Brazil on Wednesday, It is worth reflecting on the tournament so far and the boost it has given to our country.
The saltire has flown proudly from cars and windows across the country in unity behind our team.
Fans have stayed up into the wee hours to cheer on the players.
And politicians that only a month ago were fighting in an election are united in our support for Scotland.
Our country has come together.
And the Tartan Army has been doing our country proud in the US.
Not many other countries can count their travelling football fans as key ambassadors, but Scotland most certainly can.
Boston has been turned into a 24/7 party by the Tartan Army with locals joining in the fun – even if the pubs ran out of lager!
And everywhere they have gone, the kilts, bagpipes and songs of the Tartan Army have shown the confident, humorous and respectful best of our country.
In Providence, Rhode Island Tartan Army members have raised $30,000 for local groups including a children’s hospital, grassroots football classes and even the local pipe band.
But it’s not just the fans who are showing the best of Scotland.
Not only are the team setting the tone on the pitch, they are being model professionals and role models off the pitch too.
From backing the ‘Yes Boys’ campaign against misogyny and the manosphere culture, to John McGinn’s iconic ‘goggles’ celebration in honour of his nephew, the Scotland team is leading by example.
Whatever happens in the crunch game against Brazil on Wednesday night, the whole country can be proud of our team and the Tartan Army.
The legacy of this tournament will be seen in the impact it has here at home.
It has already brought our country together.
But I am sure it will also act as a catalyst to get more young boys and girls involved in playing the beautiful game.
It’s by supporting the next generation and investing in sport that we can make sure that Scotland has many more World Cups to look forward to.
The next John McGinn, Andy Robertson or Scott McTominay is out there – we just need to make sure they get the opportunities and support they need to flourish.
No matter what happens on the pitch on Wednesday night, Steve Clarke and the boys have written their name in the history books.
Let’s all get behind the team and cheer them on to victory.
View 3 ImagesMayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham(Image: Getty)
On Thursday evening, the people of Makerfield sent a message to the country – we reject the politics of division and hate peddled by Reform and Restore and choose a fairer future.
Andy Burnham and the Labour team pulled off a fantastic victory, winning well over a half of the vote and increasing Labour’s majority.
Andy has been a transformative Mayor of Greater Manchester and I know he will be a huge asset to our party and our country on his return to the House of Commons.
Above all, what Andy Burnham brings to parliament is a clear message – Reform can be beaten and beaten well.
For too long, Nigel Farage and his gang of ex Tories and grifters have been acting like they are destined to form the next government.
But what Andy showed is that there is a way to beat the division of Reform.
We do this through the politics of hope – of standing up for working people, of taking the lies that Reform spread head-on and exposing them for the dangerous charlatans they are.
The people of Scotland and all the United Kingdom deserve better than Reform’s poison.
That’s why we must all learn from Andy Burnham’s victory and work together to send these liars and snake-oil salesmen packing.
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View 3 ImagesThe Tartan Army brought the party to Boston.(Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)
It’s a testament to the Tartan Army that one trip to Boston has led to a new twinning agreement with Glasgow.
Built on the enthusiasm of Scottish football fans and warm welcome of the local community, this agreement is a great opportunity to strengthen the links between two world-class cities and bring investment to both.