Boston paper takes out full-page ad paying tribute Scotland’s World Cup fans who drank the city dry

Caitlin HornikMon, June 22, 2026 at 3:47 PM UTC

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The love affair between Scotland fans and the city of Boston has captured hearts across the nation — and has now been memorialized with a full-page ad in the Boston Globe.

Two of Scotland's first-round World Cup matches have been played at Boston Stadium so far, leading to more than 20,000 fans taking over the city. Scotland first beat Haiti 1-0 last week but then lost to Morocco Friday night by a score of 1-0.

Social media has been ablaze with videos of Scotland's soccer fanbase, called the Tartan Army, taking over the streets, marching with bagpipers to Fenway Park in the heart of the city, and, most notably, causing bars to run out of beer as they drank the city dry. The bond stretched so deep that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent last week to establish Boston and Glasgow, Scotland, as "sister cities" starting next year, a move intended to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two spots.

As Scotland prepares to take on Brazil in a pivotal group stage clash in Miami, the team's fans have departed Boston after a week of merriment, much to the sadness of New Englanders. To honor the impact Scotland's Tartan Army had on Boston and nearby areas, the Globe took out an ad to thank them.

"You came for the World Cup, but gave us something more," the message began. "For a week, you turned train stations into singalongs, Fenway into a football ground, and an ordinary June into something we'll be talking about for years.

Scotland fans have been drinking parts of Boston dry as they cheer on their team (PA)

"Boston has hosted championships, parades, and celebrations of every kind. But we've never hosted guests quite like you all," the note continued.

"Thank you for the laughter, the bagpipes, and the memories. The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we'll never forget the joy you brought to our city."

Likewise, the Tartan Army thanked Boston and its inhabitants for their hospitality.

"New England - it has been an absolute pleasure. Across Boston, Providence, Newport and many towns in between you've welcomed us with open arms and unbelievable hospitality, and we can't thank you enough," the Tartan Army wrote on X.

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"As we begin our journeys to South Florida, we hope it's not goodbye, but see you again soon."

(Reuters)

The Scotland National Team also issued a note of their own, writing on X, "As we head for Miami, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the city & people of Boston.

"You've made us feel more than welcome in the time we've spent with you; you've made us feel part of your incredible city. Thank you for your generosity and your wonderful hospitality."

Videos of Scotland fans bringing their traditions — like placing traffic cones on the heads of historic statues — to Boston and surrounding areas have gone viral on social media since the start of the World Cup. And while Scotland's next match will be played in Miami, there is a chance the team could wind up back in Boston if they beat Brazil during their scheduled Wednesday clash.

The impact Scotland fans have had on Boston has been felt so deeply that a Massachusetts state senator has called for the Tartan Army to start visiting annually.

Scotland fans have won the hearts of Boston locals (PA)

"You have been playing the bagpipes everywhere, you've been singing, you've been chanting, you have put traffic cones on the heads of all of our historic statues, which has been something to see," Senator Paul Feeney said in a video message shared to social media.

"I don't want that to end. So here's my proposition," he continued. "Let's get together and make this an annual thing where the Tartan Army comes over to Massachusetts, comes over to Foxborough, and we do this again. Maybe every year!"

Feeney proposed several ideas to get fans to return to the area, including a match between Scotland and the USMNT, a Scotland vs. Ireland clash, or even a local match against Foxborough High School.

"Whatever it takes to get you back here year after year," Feeney continued. "We'll promise to restock the beer."

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Source: “AOL Sports”