Scottish Tartan Army Brings Traffic Cone Tradition to Boston Statues During World Cup

During the World Cup, members of Scotland's Tartan Army have placed bright orange traffic cones on statues throughout Boston, including those of Bruins legend Bobby Orr and Paul Revere, continuing a decades-old tradition rooted in playful mischief. The practice originated in Glasgow during the 1980s when late-night revelers placed a cone on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the Gallery of Modern Art. Although local authorities initially removed the cone, locals persistently replaced it each time it was taken down, eventually transforming the prank into a permanent cultural fixture.

Scottish fans describe the tradition as a reflection of their humor and refusal to take themselves too seriously. Lee Turnbull, a Boston-based visitor from California, explained that after someone placed the first cone on a statue in the city, the practice rapidly spread across the city's monuments. Fans enthusiastically documented the cone-adorned statues on social media, with both Scottish visitors and local residents photographing themselves alongside the decorated sculptures. The cones have been repeatedly removed by officials and promptly replaced by fans willing to go to considerable lengths to maintain the tradition.

Beyond the cone placements, Scottish supporters are known for other pranks during away matches, including pouring liquid soap into public fountains to create bubble baths. For Scotland's World Cup participation, which marks their first appearance in 28 years and comes after a 36-year drought without a World Cup victory, the Tartan Army has brought their distinctive style of passionate support to Boston, combining kilts, bagpipes, and good-spirited tomfoolery. While it remains unclear whether Boston city officials view the cone placements as a nuisance, the practice has become emblematic of Scottish fan culture during the tournament.