An American family has opened their home to members of the Tartan Army in a wonderful show of hospitality. Tawny Archibald-Campbell lives in Hope Mills, just two hours from Scotland's basecamp in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Generous Offer to Ease Financial Burden
After watching Scotland fans celebrate at the World Cup, Tawny decided to make a Facebook post advertising her home to any Scots making the 23-hour drive from Boston to Miami for the Brazil game on June 24. The 46-year-old, who shares the home with husband Joe, 46, and daughters Rhynli, 17, and Rauri, 12, is now warmly inviting foot soldiers for a meal, overnight stay, a tour of the town, and even a Fourth of July party.
She told the Record: "I watched an interview with Scotland fans saying how they paid £6,000 to be in the US and it made me so sad. I immediately thought, 'what could I do to ease their burden?' I've got a couple of recliner chairs, a fold-up bed, and food. That reduces the cost of a hotel stay and a couple of meals. That might be exactly what someone needs. It was just one of those ideas I needed to put into action. Maybe it'll inspire people to pay it forward - maybe it's just so I can clean my house! But you never regret doing a good deed."
Overwhelming Response
Tawny has already secured eight groups for the week ahead, and with the post having received thousands of comments and shares in just a few hours, has had to create two spreadsheets to keep track of prospective visitors. She said: "I can't believe how much it's blown up. I have a folder called 'Tartan Army guests' and am getting messages from Scots every few minutes. I hope the neighbours are Scotland fans - and that they have extra beds!"
Scottish Roots and Reciprocated Kindness
Tawny's great-great grandparents hail from Linlithgow and Carluke, and she has visited Scotland twice. She says her kind gesture has already been reciprocated by Scots who have offered up their home for the family's next trip. She continued: "My dad has always dreamed of going to Scotland and I've already had offers to put us up. An elderly couple took me under their wing when I first visited Scotland and I want to repay that kindness. I've never forgot it."
She added: "I've been completely enamoured watching Scotland fans experience America. The Tartan Army are showing the same type of energy and feeling I remember from all those years ago. Switching jerseys with Haiti fans, little kids playing bagpipes in the street... you can't help but love them. I hope someone arrives to the house with bagpipes!"
Scots Show Appreciation
Scots have shown their appreciation for Tawny's gesture. One joked: "Brilliant, but you don't know what you've started here! No Scotland no party," while another asked: "Can we have an update on how many Scots turn up?" A third warned: "You might have 20,000 tartan army show up! Nice offer," while a last added: "As us Scots say, we're a' Jock Tamson's bairns. Exceptional kindness."
