Scotland is gearing up for its first World Cup match in 28 years, with fans across the country embracing the occasion with tartan-themed parties, all-night fanzones, and even a traditional row with England. The team faces Haiti in Boston at 2am UK time on Sunday, and up to a million Scots are expected to watch.
At airports in Edinburgh and Glasgow, pipers serenaded departing supporters, while in Edinburgh a full military tattoo marching band performed. An Edinburgh bar is offering free Irn-Bru-infused 'fiery ginger' beers to red-haired patrons, and fanzones like SWG3 in Glasgow have sold out for the Haiti match and subsequent group games against Brazil and Morocco.
The anticipation was fuelled by Scotland's dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark in the final qualifier at Hampden Park, which included a stunning overhead kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range goal from Kenny McLean. The goals have been immortalised in a mural near the stadium and on merchandise.
The wait for World Cup qualification has been a long one, marked by decades of near-misses and disillusionment. Older fans recall the 1978 tournament in Argentina, where manager Ally MacLeod's bold predictions of victory led to mass over-confidence before the team failed to progress despite a 3-2 win over the Netherlands.
First Minister John Swinney will attend the Haiti match as a guest of the Scottish Football Association, combining sport with trade and cultural meetings in the United States.
