Mike Morrison, the Boston man who went viral after filming his new Scottish neighbours blasting their bagpipes at 6.30am, has bid an emotional goodbye to his new Tartan Army pals. Mike hit the headlines last Thursday when Tartan Army footsoldiers from Kilmarnock moved into the AirBnB across the road from his house.
They duly decorated the property with flags and then serenaded the neighbourhood early the next morning to announce their arrival. Despite the early hour, Mike was unfailing in his praise for the six Scots and enthusiastically joined in the World Cup fun, as many fellow Bostonians have ever since.
Adopted as an Official Member
Mike has now been adopted as an official member of the Tartan Army after he proved to be the ultimate good sport with the Scottish visitors. He has even secured a ticket to the second World Cup group stage match against Morocco on Friday. Posting on X on Tuesday, Mike said: "Ah s***e, knew today would come. The sun rises above my town and the lads have moved on. To the house, they’ve bestowed their colours, to me, their last 3 bottles."
His post was accompanied by a photo of a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label. He went on: "The sour song of responsibility calls to us all in misplaced pitch. And yet, we must eventually heed its call, lest we spin entirely from its grip…forever."
Viral Fame and Global Attention
Mike's original tweet has now been viewed more than 9.4 million times. He has also supported the story of fundraiser Craig Ferguson, who raised £1 million for mental health charity by walking across the continental USA. He has been interviewed by news outlets from around the world.
One Scotland fan – a lady named Helen, who became a viral hit in her own right and is now known as 'Helen the Divine' – even offered him a match ticket. "I've been called an adopted son of Scotland, something I don't take lightly," he said, adding: "I need to get a Scottish football jersey or some kind of shirt for Friday."
Fans Reflect on Their Stay
In a Sky News interview, one of the fans – called Lewis – said: "We got in in the dead of the night on the Wednesday and it was a combination of jet lag, excitement, and we woke up, started to decorate the house and just thought, 'Y'know what, the sun's out, birds are singing, let's get it fired up.'"
After the fans moved on, Mike is still winning praise for being such a good sport. One person said: "You did so much good for international relations and showed the world there is still humanity and friendliness to be found in the US. You've made friends for life and we can't wait to see reunion photos." Another said: "A lovely heartwarming story and how generous of you to accept your temporary, albeit a wee bit noisy, neighbours with such kindness."
