With World Cup fever well underway, we reached out to some alumni that have made Boston their home to find out what the locals make of the famous Tartan Army!
Modern Languages Teacher Chris Hegarty, who graduated with a PGDE in 2023 and moved to Boston in 2025, was at Scotland’s first game against Haiti and has tickets for Scotland’s next opponents Morocco on Friday 19th June.
“The Tartan Army have been completely infectious here and Bostonians are falling in love with them. Here at the British International School of Boston, we had members of the SFA in this week giving an assembly to our lower and middle school students, teaching them songs like “Ye Canny Shove Yer Granny Aff A Bus” and “Yes Sir I Can Boogie”. It was an incredible assembly, and it left a big mark on our young students, who are now Scotland daft!
“Many will have seen the incredible scenes at Fenway Park on Sunday when the Red Sox took on the Texas Rangers. It was an atmosphere unlike any other with the Tartan Army in full voice. One of our Primary 7 students said that he had never seen an atmosphere like it at Fenway before.
“It really has been a magical week hosting the Tartan Army and we are all thoroughly enjoying their presence here in Boston. For myself, it is amazing to feel so much of home while being so far away. Being part of the crowd singing Flower of Scotland at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night was a pinch-me moment and one I will remember for as long as I live.
“I hope everyone back home is enjoying the World Cup as much as we are here in Boston!”
Chemical Engineering graduate (1999) Mark Smith, CEO & Founder of Bothwell Engineering, has been living in Boston since 2010 and also experienced the Scotland match.
“I was at the game on Saturday, and it was amazing. Just what you would expect from Scottish fans – everyone enjoying themselves talking to anyone and everyone, singing, laughing. People over here have quickly fallen in love with them.
“As I am sure everyone at home heard, Flower of Scotland before the game was something else. I have never heard the place as loud. Gives you the chills it was so good. I am sure it will be more of the same this Friday.”
David Fleming, who graduated with a BSc in Computing Science in 1987 and is now Chief Information Officer at Covington & Burling LLP, has been living in Boston for 27 years.
“The Tartan Army have taken over the city and Bostonians are loving it. I attended the Haiti game and have tickets for the Morocco game, and it’s been great to take part with my fellow country men and women.
“The Tartan Army’s behaviour has been impeccable and covered on local news almost every night. Pubs running out of beer and reported selling 3x as much as they normally do on St Patrick’s day which is a renowned day of drinking in Boston.
“I’m looking forward to more to come with some friends arriving over from Scotland before the game on Friday.”