Scotland fans – As Scotland’s World Cup campaign moves on to Miami, the Tartan Army is leaving behind a Boston filled with bagpipes, cheers, and public gratitude—from politicians to Red Sox leaders and law enforcement—after nearly two weeks of fans turning the city into a hom
For nearly two weeks, Scotland’s famed Tartan Army transformed Boston into a home away from home. And as thousands of supporters pack their bags and head south for the next stage of the World Cup. they’re leaving behind a city filled with memories and messages of gratitude that took up real space in real places.
On social media, the group wrote: “New England – it has been an absolute pleasure,” adding that “Across Boston, Providence, Newport and many towns in between you’ve welcomed us with open arms and unbelievable hospitality, and we can’t thank you enough.”
The farewell comes after Scotland opened its World Cup run at Boston Stadium on June 13 with a 1-0 victory over Haiti. The team then lost 1-0 to Morocco on Friday. Even with that setback. the Tartan Army’s energy never faded—just moved through the city and then. finally. began to shift toward its next match.
Scotland is now making its way to Miami, Florida, for its next match against Brazil. Before leaving. the group said: “As we begin our journeys to South Florida. we hope it’s not goodbye. but see you again soon.” On June 20. 2026. the Tartan Army posted the message with the same sentiment repeated in a clear hope that the visit wouldn’t end with this trip.
Boston’s stamp on the tour was hard to miss. Supporters woke up city streets with the sounds of bagpipes. They filled local bars and restaurants and drove downtown chants of “No Scotland. no party.” They also brought their own version of sightseeing swagger. embracing Boston traditions and becoming social media favorites—whether testing out Boston’s famous police slide. posing with landmarks. or placing orange traffic cones atop some of the city’s most recognizable statues.
The Scotland National Team also posted thanks on social media, writing, “You’ve made us feel more than welcome in the time we’ve spent with you,” and “You’ve made us feel part of your incredible city. Thank you for your generosity and your wonderful hospitality.”
The scale of the takeover was significant. Tourism officials estimated roughly 50,000 Scottish supporters traveled to Greater Boston during the tournament. Many folded quintessential Boston experiences into the lead-up to Scotland’s first match. including attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park on June 14.
Red Sox President Sam Kennedy sent a letter to Scotland National Team leadership—addressed to Scottish Football Association President Mike Mulraney and Chief Executive Ian Maxwell—thanking the Tartan Army for its visit. Kennedy wrote: “Kilts and Scottish flags filled our ballpark with a spirit that has no equivalent in American sport. ” calling it “genuinely one of the most moving things we have witnessed at Fenway Park in a very long time.” He added that “Scotland’s return to the World Cup after 28 years deserves every bit of enthusiasm your supporters brought to Boston. ” and that the team was “proud that Fenway Park could be part of this chapter in your celebration.”.
Kennedy’s message landed on a particularly layered day for Boston. where Red Sox owner John Henry also owns Boston.com’s parent company. Boston Globe Media Partners. The Boston Globe published its own farewell note to Scotland’s supporters. saying: “You came for the World Cup. but gave us something more.” The message went on: “Boston has hosted championships. parades. and celebrations of every kind. But we’ve never hosted guests quite like you all. ” thanking them for “the laughter. the bagpipes. and the memories. ” and saying: “The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we’ll never forget the joy you brought to our city.”.
As supporters prepared to depart, public officials and law enforcement agencies made their appreciation part of the closing stretch too. Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu welcomed Scottish visitors throughout the tournament. The trip concluded with a letter of intent that could eventually make Boston and Glasgow sister cities.
In a post dated June 14. 2026. Healey congratulated Scotland and wrote: “Between the bagpipes. the kilts. and thousands of Scotland fans turning Boston into their home away from home. the Tartan Army has made quite an impression on Massachusetts. It’s only fitting that I have my own kit and tartan for the next…”.
The State Police and the Boston Police Department also thanked Scottish fans for their visit. On Saturday, members of the State Police Pipes and Drums unit performed as Scotland’s national team departed the state. The State Police wrote on social media: “Thanks for bringing the Tartan Army to the Bay State. ” and “You’re welcome back any time.”.
For now, the World Cup story moves on. Scotland heads to Miami, where the team will face Brazil on Wednesday night. But Boston may not be finished with the Scots. Depending on how the tournament unfolds, Scotland could return to Boston Stadium for another match on June 29.
The next game is in South Florida. The next chapter of the celebration is still unwritten. Yet the messages—written in public. repeated by officials. and echoed by the fans themselves—make one thing clear: Scotland’s first visit to Boston during this World Cup run didn’t just fill seats and streets. It created a kind of civic memory the city says it won’t forget.
Scotland Tartan Army Boston Miami World Cup Brazil Haiti Morocco Fenway Park Maura Healey Michelle Wu Glasgow sister cities