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Boston fan zone experience `unbelievably Scottish´, say Tartan Army members

Scotsmen in kilts can be seen all over the fan zone and throughout the city.

Tartan Army members in Boston’s official fan zone have described their experience as “unbelievably Scottish”.

Legions of kilt-wearing Scots enjoyed music, drinks and food as they watched the Qatar vs Switzerland game ahead of their own nation’s debut World Cup match against Haiti, which kicks off at 9pm in Boston (2am UK time).

The fan zone, at Boston’s City Hall Plaza, is the officially recognised area for fans to mingle, with limited places available.

One group, comprised of the Straubs and the McKinley’s, praised the good atmosphere and friendliness of the locals.

Ryan Straub, 51, said: “It’s been pretty awesome. It’s been unbelievably Scottish.

“We had our kilts on the day we got here, and to be honest with you, it gets pretty overwhelming because everybody wants to talk to you, and there’s some moments where you just want to buy a coffee and not have a photograph with a stranger.

He laughed: “It’s like we’re living the celebrity lifestyle, but maybe it’s just me because I’m more handsome than the average guy.”

Stephen McKinley, 51 joined by Emma McKinlay, 40, added: “We just got to Boston. We were down in Miami for the last couple of days and it’s pretty good down there, the fan zone is awesome.

“I can’t wait for the Brazil game down there.

“There’s not a lot of Scots down there just now, but the atmosphere is still awesome, even though we’re grossly outnumbered down there.”

Ahead of the game on Saturday, a number of Scottish bands, including Skerryvore, performed at the fan zone.

Callum Straub, 24, said: “It’s been really good, and as we mentioned, super Scottish.

“There’s loads of Scottish bands everywhere, singing and dancing everywhere you go.

“So yeah, it’s been really fun so far.”

Asked about Scotland’s chances in qualifying for the next round, Ryan said: “I honestly believe that we’re not only going to qualify, I think we can win each of these games. I think today will be an easy one for us, I think we’re going to win.

“I think we’ll be drawing with Morocco until near the end, when we’ll win, and I think the same with Brazil; I think we’re going to do well.”

Mr McKinley added: “I’ve got a £57,000 coupon. I put a tenner on. I think it’ll be 3-1 against Haiti, I think Morocco will beat us 3-1, and then Brasil could beat us 4-1.

“However, if we get a goal every game and beat Haiti, then I think that’ll be enough to get us to the next round, maybe to Mexico, so I’ll maybe have to say to my boss I might not be back.”