Hamilton will be cheering on hometown hero Lewis Ferguson as he plays his part in the Scotland squad leading the nation back into men’s World Cup action for the first time in 28 years.
Midfielder Lewis, who grew up in Quarter and began his senior career at Hamilton Accies, is getting set with Steve Clarke’s squad for this weekend’s hugely-anticipated Group C opener against Haiti and the following tournament games against Morocco and Brazil.
Tartan Army fans are cheering on Scotland both in the USA and here at home – with local businesses, schools and pubs getting decked out in flags and World Cup decorations for the big occasion and messages of support flooding in for the national team.
Bologna captain Lewis – who set up Scotland’s second goal in the crucial qualifying win against Denmark in November – is one of two South Lanarkshire stars in Scotland’s World Cup squad, along with halfway-line hero Kenny McLean.
Local Support and Celebrations
South Lanarkshire Interim Provost Bert Thomson said: “Our area has always produced amazing sporting talent over the years thanks to the fantastic grassroots clubs, training and sports facilities.
“I am delighted that one of our local talents from Quarter, Lewis Ferguson, who kicked off his professional career with Hamilton Accies will be part of this year’s Scotland squad, and that local players including Kenny McLean will also be representing our area and Scotland in the coming weeks.”
He added: “I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that I wish the squad all the very best. I am sure they will do us proud and show the rest of the world what Scottish football is all about.”
Scotland v Haiti kicks off at 2am on Sunday, June 14. The local authority agreed earlier in the year to allow special licensing agreements for premises in the Hamilton and Clydesdale areas to remain open until 30 minutes after the end of each match, and to grant the extra Scottish Government bank holiday on Monday, June 15, which will see schools and many council services closing for the day.
Hamilton MSP Alex Kerr said: “Steve Clarke and the players have given us the chance to see history by qualifying us for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The excitement across the country is absolutely palpable – not hurt in South Lanarkshire by the extra bank holiday announced by John Swinney!
“We have an extra reason to be buzzing with Quarter’s own Lewis Ferguson out in America representing our nation as part of the Scotland squad. I know everyone will be cheering him and the team on for our first game against Haiti, whether with the Tartan Army in America, with family and friends gathered round the TV, or, like me, in pubs across the country.”
Imogen Walker, the Hamilton & Clyde Valley MP, agreed: “The whole of Scotland will be cheering our boys on in the World Cup, and nowhere more than in Quarter, the town that raised Lewis Ferguson.
“This weekend will also be a very special one for Accies fans, and setting a player on the path to the World Cup is proof of the quality of our club.
“I’ll be at home in Lanark for the match, and I hope that Lewis and the rest of the Scotland team know that we’re proud of them, we believe in them, and we’re backing them all the way.”
Community Events and Decorations
Local theme park M&D’s is offering half-price £10 all-day wristbands on June 15 to celebrate Scotland’s World Cup appearance, while creative members of the Brighter Bothwell Crafters group have made an elaborate topper for the postbox at The Glebe.
It features a knitted Scotland players and the flags of the Group C teams, with Brighter Bothwell adding: “We hope everyone will enjoy our very special topper and we wish Scotland the very best of luck. Fingers crossed that we may have to add more flags!”
