SNP MSP Stephen Flynn has said he was “gutted” not to be in the US to cheer on the Scotland men’s team as they secured their first World Cup victory since 1990.
The Scottish Economy Secretary also hit back at his opponents who are “getting themselves in a little bit of a tizz” over his forthcoming trip to the States to cheer on Steve Clarke’s side.
Mr Flynn is one of two Holyrood ministers who will be heading to the sporting contest in a personal capacity – rather than representing the Scottish Government – with community care minister Alison Thewliss currently absent from the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Flynn said he was “gutted” not to have been able to be at Scotland’s opening game against Haiti in Boston.
The Economy Secretary is due to fly out to join up with members of the Tartan Army in America later – but had to watch Scotland’s opening game against Haiti at home.
He added he had “massive Fomo” (fear of missing out) in the run-up to the match, telling how he was, “getting sent photos from lots of my friends who are out there”.
But he said he woke his six-year-old son at 2am on Sunday to watch the match with him, saying that “that was a good enough memory for me”.
And while he said a “few folk are getting themselves in a little bit of a tizz” about his trip to the World Cup, he said he had been following Scotland for years – and had made his plans to attend the tournament clear when he stood for Holyrood in May.
Mr Flynn said: “The first Scotland away game I went to was about 17 years ago in Holland. I think we got beat 3-0, I didn’t even get a ticket.
“I went because I love being a member of the Tartan Army, I’ve had so many amazing experiences as a member of the Tartan Army, we’ve not been at a World Cup in 28 years.
“And when I stood for election to Holyrood I was pretty clear about the fact that I would be going out to the World Cup if I was fortunate enough to be elected.”
Speaking in Aberdeen, Mr Flynn added that “people sent me to Holyrood from this city, and I think they will be OK with me taking a couple of days off Parliament to go out, knowing that as soon as I return, and indeed every minute of my working time until I go, I will be working on their behalf”.
