The FM has joined thousands of Scotland fans for a Boston takeover ahead of our first World Cup match in 28 years.
John Swinney has praised the “electric” atmosphere in Boston as the Tartan Army gather in huge numbers ahead of the country’s first World Cup Match in 28 years.
The First Minister is in the US city to watch Steve Clarke’s men take on Haiti in their opening fixture of the 2026 tournament which kicks off at 2am UK time on June 14.
The SNP leader has been joined by famous faces including Gerard Butler and Gordon Ramsay in the Massachusetts capital alongside an estimated 40,000 Scotland fans who have also made the trip.
Speaking to the Press Association, Swinney said: “The atmosphere is electric here in Boston, it has been since we arrived.
“There are thousands and thousands of Scotland fans who have made the journey and the atmosphere is lively, it’s positive.
“It’s great weather and people are having a great time and engaging with the local community here in Boston. Everyone has had such a warm welcome from the Boston community, so its a fantastic situation to be part of.”
Mr Swinney added that Scotland’s 28-year absence at the World Cup made it “particularly precious” to be in Boston and supporting the team.
He was speaking at The Haven, a Scottish pub in Boston, for an event by the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal, which aims to donate to children’s charities in every country in which the Scotland team plays matches.
A spokesman for Meet Boston – a tourism organisation in the city – told the Press Association that the Scottish fans were bringing “palpable” joy. He said: “To say the impact has been significant would be a major understatement.
“The Tartan Army is omnipresent across town and their energy and joy is so palpable.”
The spokesman described scenes posted on social media of Scotland fans celebrating ahead of the match as “absolute fire”.
He said many people had been trying to estimate the overall number of visitors from Scotland, which was about 40,000 but “could be higher”.
The Dubliner Boston, an Irish pub which has been popular with fans, had gone through 30 kegs of Tennent’s lager by Thursday, he added.
On Friday night, Mr Swinney attended events in Boston alongside celebrities including Gerard Butler – star of the movie 300 – who wore a kilt and football shirt.
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd also sported a kilt, with actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher and broadcaster Gordon Smart, also in attendance.
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