A Love Letter to the Tartan Army – Here’s what we learned from their visit.
Dear Tartan Army,
We’re already missing you.
Just a week before the World Cup kicked off, Boston felt a little sleepy. Sure, we knew the World Cup matches were coming, but the excitement hadn’t quite arrived yet. Then you showed up.
You came wearing kilts, carrying bagpipes, singing songs we didn’t know but quickly learned, and somehow turned every street corner, bar, ferry ride, and sidewalk into a celebration. You marched through our neighborhoods chanting “No Scotland, No Party,” and honestly? You weren’t wrong.
By the time you left, Boston had fully caught World Cup fever.
So before the last Tennent’s was poured and the final bagpipe faded into the distance, we wanted to say thank you — and share a few things we learned from you along the way.
1. You Reminded Us to Find More Joy
You made every moment an event.
Waiting for the train? Sing a song. Walking down the street? Start a chant. Standing in line for a beer? Make a new friend.
Somewhere along the way, many of us Bostonians forgot that life doesn’t always need a reason to be celebrated. You reminded us that joy can be found in the little things and that enthusiasm is contagious.
We’re going to try smiling a little more, chatting to strangers a little more, and maybe even singing in public once in a while.
2. You Showed Us How to Respect the Places We Love
One thing that kept coming up over and over again was how clean things were after your parties.
Thousands of fans packed bars, parks, streets, and gathering spaces, and yet you picked up after yourselves. The attitude seemed simple: if you’re lucky enough to enjoy a place, you should help take care of it.
It’s a lesson worth remembering. We could all do a better job respecting our neighborhoods, beaches, parks, and sidewalks. Consider this our gentle reminder to pick up your trash — and your dog poop bags while you’re at it.
3. You Made Us Fall in Love with Scotland
Never have so many Bostonians Googled flights to Scotland.
You may have arrived as soccer fans, but you left as unofficial ambassadors for your country. Everywhere we went, people talked about how friendly, funny, welcoming, and downright lovable the Scots were.
And now it looks like this relationship is getting serious.
In what feels like the ultimate World Cup love letter, Mayor Michelle Wu signed a letter of intent to make Glasgow and Boston official sister cities. The signing took place at The Haven, a Scottish restaurant in JP, naturally. The proposed partnership will focus on innovation, education, climate initiatives, and the arts, creating a lasting connection between our two cities.
Robert Kraft recently informed the NFL that he would love to see the Patriots play in Scotland. How awesome would that be? You can read about that here.
Not to mention, Visit Scotland thanked us publicly on Instagram and encouraged us to book a flight and come visit.
Long-distance relationships are hard, but we think Boston and Scotland have a real shot.
4. You Showed Us What Pride Looks Like
You waited nearly 30 years to see your team play on the world’s biggest stage, and every second of that pride was on display.
When thousands of you sang together before kickoff, it was impossible not to get goosebumps. It wasn’t just about soccer. It was about community, identity, and showing up for something you love.
Boston has plenty of pride. We love our neighborhoods, our sports teams, and our city. But you reminded us that pride isn’t something to keep quiet. Sometimes you have to sing it from the rooftops.
Or at least from the top of a bar stool.
5. You Completely Changed the Way We Look at Traffic Cones
In Boston, traffic cones usually mean one thing: trouble.
They’re symbols of snow parking wars, neighborhood drama, and passive-aggressive disputes over public spaces.
Then you arrived and started putting them on statues.
Then we learned about Scotland’s long-running tradition of placing traffic cones on public monuments as a sign of humor, affection, and community spirit.
Somehow, you managed to make traffic cones fun.
Until Next Time…
The Tartan Army came to Boston for the FIFA World Cup, but you left behind something much bigger.
You reminded us that communities are strongest when people show up with enthusiasm. That strangers can become friends. That cities should be celebrated. And that life is a lot more fun when you don’t take everything so seriously.
So thank you for the songs, the laughs, the stories, the dance parties, and yes, the record-breaking beer sales.
Now the only question is: when are we all heading to Scotland?
Love,
Boston ❤️🏴
