Boston Police Department via Facebook

It’s estimated that 30,000 Scottish football fans descended on the city of Boson last week, and the ensuing shenanigans have been so generational that folk songs are being written about it.

The World Cup-winning friendships that developed between locals and the Scots went viral on social media throughout their stay, but it began at 6AM when a crew of lads staying in an Airbnb roused the neighbors “with the unfamiliar tone” of bagpipes.

Mike Morrison posted footage from his quiet Massachusetts suburb. Far from being an angry noise complaint, he adored the jet-lagged fans’ energy—even grilling some sausages for them—and the camaraderie went wild on Twitter.

Now Airbnb is sending the Boston neighbor to Miami for Scotland’s June 24 match against Brazil so he can reunite with the Tartan Army, which presented Mike with an honorary membership certificate—and persistent offers of a morning beer.

“No Scotland–No party”, was a familiar chant heard in the streets—and it was soon clear that Bostonians would not be able to keep up with the drinking habits of the Tartan Army.

The Samuel Adams Boston Taproom had to order four “emergency deliveries” to restock after fans drank 4,000 pints in four days—leaving the taproom with 90 empty kegs—four times as much as the pub would usually sell over the busy 4th of July weekend. ‘Boston is running out of beer’ became a cheeky refrain on social media.

It wasn’t just beer and football that bonded the cultures. An impromptu collaboration between a Scottish bagpipe player jamming with a street musician was captured outside historic Faneuil Hall. Without a single word or rehearsal, Neil Wilson joined bucket drummer David Bowdre, and their synchronicity drew a massive, cheering crowd. (Just click to see their amazing duet…)

After the Scottish team won their first match against Haiti (1-0), the Tartan Army was psyched, especially because the Scots were making their first appearance at the World Cup in 28 years. But they ended up losing their game in Boston’s home stadium against Morocco (0-1).

Throughout the week the city’s police department joined in, kicking soccer balls in the streets and trying on shirts with Tartan colors for visitors. Sgt. Connor Hardy stunned one crowd by doing flawless soccer juggling tricks in full tactical gear—and his captain bought him a kilt after the video went viral.

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The police chief in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, where an estimated 6,000 Scots were staying, admitted “We simply don’t want them to leave!” Hear what the cops think…

After the fun was over, the city’s newspaper The Boston Globe printed a full page farewell tribute to the Scots, and the mayor, Michelle Wu, announced plans for a new partnership between the two cities, building on historic ties and the goodwill that was created.

But the days will never be forgotten, thanks to the viral folk song celebrating the visiting Scottish fans, by musician David Law. Law posted his musical tribute on his social media accounts, with a montage of videos from the historic week, racking up hundreds of thousands of views.

Watch the Heartwarming Ode Below… (I’m not going to lie, I cried tears of joy. See the lyrics are at the bottom)…

When the Tartan Came to Boston – By David Law

When the Tartan came to Boston, All the city came alive.
And we danced upon the Common With a spirit we’d forgotten.
When the bars of Faneuil opened There was something that revived
Sharing pints and songs and anthems To remind us of our pride.

Oh, raise a glass and sing From the Highlands to the harbor,
Now we stand a little taller Since the Tartan came to Boston.
Now we laugh a little harder Since the Tartan came to Boston.

They were playing pipes at sunrise, At six on Sunday morning
And we threw open our windows, For the unfamiliar tone.
Every road became a ceilidh (party), As we drank on cobblestones
And our crowded little city Felt a little more like home.

Oh, raise a glass and sing From the Highlands to the harbor,
Now we stand a little taller Since the Tartan came to Boston.
Now we drink a little harder Since the Tartan came to Boston.

So pour another round And bring this song wherever you go.
Someday we will cross the ocean And we’ll meet again in Glasgow.

Oh, raise a glass and sing From the Highlands to the harbor,
Now we love a little harder Since the Tartan came to Boston.
Now we drink a little harder Since the Tartan came to Boston.

It took thirty thousand strangers To remind us we were neighbors.
And we haven’t been the same since
When The Tartan came to Boston.

RAISE A GLASS AND SHARE THE FUN By Posting This on Social Media…

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