The Tartan Army have once again cemented their reputation as the best supporters in the world. On the pitch, Scotland's World Cup ended in familiar disappointment. Off it, though, our fans gave the country every reason to burst with pride.
Fan-Led Ticket Exchange Raises Funds for Charity
Long before landing in America, supporters showed their spirit. With World Cup ticket prices spiralling and touts cashing in, Edinburgh supporter Carey McEvoy created a fan-only ticket exchange where Scotland supporters could buy and sell seats at face value. The £5 registration fee was not pocketed either – every penny went to the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal.
The charity's mission is simple but remarkable. Wherever Scotland play abroad, they leave something behind. Under the motto "Everywhere We Go", the Sunshine Appeal donates to children's charities in every country the men's and women's national teams visit.
112th Consecutive International Donation in Boston
That tradition continued in Boston, where the charity made its 112th consecutive international donation, presenting £5,000 to Project GOAL at The Haven – the city's only Scottish pub – ahead of the opening World Cup match. It proved to be the perfect introduction to a city that embraced the fans from the very beginning.
Boston is one of the friendliest places I've ever visited, and I can't imagine a better place for our World Cup adventure to have started. The welcome was extraordinary. The city quickly became awash with kilts, bagpipes and Saltires as the Tartan Army took over the many city centre bars. Before long, the tradition of placing traffic cones on statues had made its way across the pond – and the locals absolutely loved it.
Memorable Moments Across America
Thousands then marched to a Boston Red Sox game in crazy scenes that left their fans stunned, and the Record soon joined supporters on a boat party where the mood was one of pure joy. Our fans were simply revelling in being part of a World Cup after 28 long years, making memories to last a lifetime.
That, perhaps, was one of the lasting memories of this World Cup. Fans from every corner of the globe mixing so easily – and every one of them loving the Scottish banter. It took locals in Miami a little longer to get on board with the madness, but they had soon embraced it too. And as the Record packed up and headed home, they weren't just disappointed for us that our tournament was over – they were sad to see the Tartan Army leave.
Admiration from Locals and Taxi Drivers
Even our taxi driver on the way to the airport thanked our fans for the way they had behaved throughout the tournament, praising their warmth, humour and respect. Our World Cup may have ended far earlier than any of us hoped. But while the football once again brought frustration, the Tartan Army left America having won the admiration of everyone they met.
For another four years at least, our reputation as the greatest supporters in world football remains beyond question.
