Thousands of Scotland supporters have already begun their journey to America as excitement builds for the country’s long-awaited return to the World Cup. With Steve Clarke’s side preparing to compete in the tournament for the first time since 1998, fans are making the trip in huge numbers to back the national team.
The famous Tartan Army will not be alone in the States. A number of well-known Scottish personalities from the world of football and music are also making their way across the Atlantic to support Scotland during what promises to be a historic summer.
For many fans, this is a moment they have waited decades to witness. Scots in America have already begun making their presence felt, bringing their trademark energy, chants and sense of community stateside as they settle into Boston for the first two games.
Although some supporters are still waiting to head over to America, some famous faces have made it known on social media that they will be present during Scotland’s run in the group stages. Here are a few Scottish stars heading state side to soak up the atmosphere with the Tartan Army and cheer on the national team.
Musicians Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX
Among the most enthusiastic supporters making the trip are musicians Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX members Alan and Stevie Jukes. The group recently released a special World Cup version of their song Home, which has quickly taken over social media as one of the soundtrack songs for Scotland's supporters. They launched the song with a massive pop-up performance at Glasgow's Princes Square on May 27, and were very vocal about their trip across the pond to watch the team play. The trio were spotted yesterday (June 11) at Glasgow Airport singing their hit track with supporters as travellers prepared for their flights.
Former footballer Paul Slane
Former footballer and Open Goal podcast presenter Paul Slane has also crossed the Atlantic to follow Scotland's World Cup adventure. The former Motherwell, Celtic and Ayr United player will be creating content for the popular football podcast throughout the tournament. After arriving in Boston, Slane posed for a photo sitting on steps while an American flag hung in the background. Posting it on the Open Goal Instagram, alongside Bruce Springsteen’s hit Born in the U.S.A. And it seems he will be holding the fort for the podcast in America while the rest of his co-hosts work from various fan zones across Glasgow.
Scott Brown
Former Scotland captain Scott Brown is another familiar face heading stateside. The ex-Celtic midfielder and former Ayr United manager never had the opportunity to represent Scotland at a World Cup during his playing career. However, this summer he will be involved in tournament coverage with the BBC, providing analysis and insight alongside former internationals James McFadden and Rachel Corsie.
Sandi Thom
Singer-songwriter Sandi Thom is also joining Scotland supporters in North America. The musician has reworked her hit song I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker to mark Scotland's return to the World Cup and has performed the updated version at a supporters event stateside. She recently took to the stage at a Tartan Army gathering in New York on June 11, wearing a red kilt and performing in front of a giant Scotland flag as supporters counted down the days until kick-off.
Judith Ralston
BBC weather presenter Judith Ralston took to Instagram to share that she has made it to the World Cup in the form of a flag made by the Tartan Army. Taking to Instagram, Judith shared a short clip of a set of lads in America posing with Scotland flags, as the video pans in it shows that one of the flags has "Judith Ralston appreciation society Tartan Army" written on it, with a picture of Judith presenting the weather. She captioned the video: "I am extraordinarily proud to be represented by the Tartan army at the World Cup. This is right up there with being featured in The Broons and Oor Willie. Thank you to Colin McDonald for sharing and to the lads lan Burnett, Gary Downie, Ali Duthie, Terry McGarry & Jim Baxter. Have a bloomin ball."
