The streets of Boston are ablaze with Tartan spirit as the city is transformed into a 'mini-Scotland', with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Scottish fans flooding into town ahead of their nation's long-awaited World Cup return. The buzz is palpable as these die-hard supporters descend upon the city from far and wide – including New York and Rhode Island – all hell-bent on witnessing Scotland take to the pitch against Haiti in just a few short hours.
The passion of the visiting fans is electric; Saltires now outnumber Stars and Stripes on many buildings, while Scotland strips are de rigueur, leaving local Boston Red Sox memorabilia struggling to get a look-in. Even the city's statues have been tartan-ised, with traffic cones cleverly employed to pay homage to Glasgow's iconic Duke of Wellington statue.
Local authorities are getting in on the act too – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joking that lawyers and judges are having trouble hearing proceedings due to the deafening roar of the Tartan Army outside. Boston's mayor is also taking notice, with city officials scrambling to rethink their plans and considering introducing a consumption zone to keep the party under control.
Some fans have opted for the ultimate American road trip – traditional school buses are chugging from Boston city centre and Providence, Rhode Island, as a cost-effective way to get to the stadium. And when they arrive at Foxborough, expect some serious tailgate action in the car parks, with early birds firing up their barbecues and getting the party started.
But not everyone will make it to Foxborough – the official FIFA fan zone in Boston city centre is chock-a-block, forcing fans to seek out alternative watch parties. And despite sweltering temperatures forecast to soar into the 90s (32C earlier in the day, dipping slightly to 27C during the game), the atmosphere promises to be sizzling.