It is no secret that Scotland’s Tartan Army has changed Boston. Forever. Although they have now largely left for Miami or home, the indelible impression they have made will reshape our community’s sense of travel, and what it means to be an appreciative guest.
I have long been a fan of these friendly, gregarious people. Since my eight months in Bristol, England in 1981, where I met a number of lovely Scots, I have been impressed by their openness, sense of humor and welcoming ways.
What an unexpected boon for leagues of Scots in kilts to arrive on holiday, and spend the week spreading their cheer in restaurants, and bars where it has been widely publicized that they ran out of beer. Bars have reported their sales were triple that of St. Patrick’s Day.
I had missed the bagpipes, and parades of kilted Scots, and the sea of navy jerseys, but determined to experience some of the excitement, made my way to the heart of the Cambridge soccer scene. When I arrived at Phoenix Landing, a well known soccer bar in Central Square, the venue was packed inside and out with fans watching the USA/Australia match, and a line waiting to get in.
The moment two lads turned up in kilts, jerseys and charming accents, they were immediately swarmed by Americans like the celebrities they have become, particularly since the majority of their compatriots had already headed to Gillette for the 6 pm Scotland/Morocco match-up.
There are so many endearing, quotable moments from the week: one man ravishing a lobster roll, and a bowl of chowder and exclaiming how brilliant it is, the lobby roll on its own, or dipped in the amazing “sauce.” Who told him to do that?! Or in response to Dunkin Donuts: “It’s a RELIGION!” Or that Ranch dressing is like crack!! One fan leaving Fenway Park remarked, “Hot dogs and beer! It doesn’t get better than that!”
Their over the top enthusiasm is infectious and delightful, and to learn that they clean up their mess when they leave clinches the deal.
Boston’s Mayor Wu has declared that Boston and Glasgow are sister cities and has initiated the paperwork to formalize this connection next spring.
It’s like our cousins whom we’ve never met have come to visit, treated our cities like their own, and embraced us and our culture without our having to do anything to welcome them except to be ourselves. Even their pranks are adorable, using traffic cones to decorate so many previously underdressed statues.
I’m hoping the unexpected warmth and friendships forged will result in overseas travel in both directions, and will expand to include other countries, cultures and possibilities.
for a terrific reel of fun from the Scots week; use this link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BQGu3SsWX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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About Meg
Meg is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over thirty-five years clinical experience. She holds a Master’s Degree from the Boston University School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Binghamton.