Tartan Army Transforms Boston During World Cup Run

An estimated 50,000 Scottish fans, known as the Tartan Army, have descended on Boston for the World Cup, creating an unprecedented surge in tourism and cultural celebration that has exceeded expectations from city officials. Since arriving last week, the kilt-clad supporters have become the city's honorary mascots, bringing more visitors for a single event than any country has previously drawn to Boston, according to Dave O'Donnell, vice president of Meet Boston.

The Scottish fans have infused the city with energy and celebration, most notably during Scotland's first World Cup victory in 36 years against Haiti on Saturday. Their presence transformed a Red Sox game at Fenway Park on Sunday into what officials described as an unprecedented experience, with approximately 6,000 Scottish supporters turning the stadium into "an almost indescribable" showcase of Scottish culture, complete with bagpipers wearing sunglasses and sneakers leading blocks-long processions of fans.

The celebration has strained the city's resources in unexpected ways. Popular establishments near Government Center, including the Bell in Hand and Hennessy's, ran out of draft beer during pre-match festivities. The Dubliner, located opposite City Hall Plaza, went through 150 kegs of Tennent's Scottish beer, while the Haven, Boston's only Scottish restaurant, depleted 75 kegs. The fans' enthusiasm also extended to a playful tradition of placing traffic cones atop statues throughout the city.

Scottish officials and longtime observers attribute the fervent celebration to the rarity and significance of World Cup qualification for Scotland. Dave McCarthy, a retired sportswriter for the Scottish Daily Record, noted that the fans' attitude reflects "we might not get to another one of these, so we are going to enjoy every single second." The fans famously set a World Cup decibel record when singing Scotland's unofficial anthem, "Flower of Scotland," before Saturday's match. With Scotland advancing, the celebration is expected to continue through Friday night when the team faces Morocco at Foxborough.