Heart of Midlothian are on the brink of a historic Scottish Premiership title, needing only a draw against Celtic at Celtic Park on Saturday to secure their first league championship since 1960. The match has captured the imagination of neutrals across Scotland and beyond, with many hoping to see the dominance of Celtic and Rangers challenged.
Edinburgh is preparing for potential celebrations, with roads to be closed and buses rerouted if Hearts win. A victory parade is planned for Sunday in the city centre. Civic leaders are also preparing a reception at the city chambers.
Hearts fans have been travelling from around the world to witness the occasion. Josh Mill, a season ticket holder living in Sydney, flew back for the match, joining five other Hearts fans on the same flight. Despite being unable to secure one of the 752 tickets allocated to Hearts fans, he plans to watch the game in Edinburgh with his family. 'There was no doubt in my mind. I'm not going to miss this,' he said.
Dave McLaren, administrator of the Jambos Kickback fan forum, also missed out on a ticket. He recalled seeing Hearts narrowly miss the title in 1965 and 1986, calling this 'almost like last chance'. He predicted 'mayhem' in the city if Hearts win.
The match has broader significance for Scottish football, where Celtic and Rangers have won 110 of 122 league titles. Gerry Hassan, an academic and lifelong Dundee United fan, said the Old Firm's dominance has been 'suffocating'. He now supports Hearts 'as a tactical fan for the greater good'. Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, who helped save Hearts from financial collapse in 2013, said there would be 'tears from everyone' if they win.
