An intrepid band of Tartan Army foot soldiers will leave Perth long before dawn tomorrow at the start of an epic 4000-plus mile round trip to Moldova.
The Jailer Tours contingent are counting down the hours now until they fly out from Edinburgh on the first leg of their sojourn which will take them to the Eastern European country wedged between Romania and Ukraine.
Their ultimate destination is the Moldovan capital of Chisinau where Scotland take on the Group F bottom markers in the second last of their World Cup qualifying matches on Friday.
The kick-off in the Zimbru Stadium is at 5pm, with the final match against unbeaten Denmark, who top the table with 24 points, at Hampden on Monday evening.
The eight stalwarts who are girding their loins in readiness for what will surely be an endurance test of epic proportions are: Craig Mailer, Andy English, experienced piper Stewart McBain, his apprentice, Jimmy Wardlaw, Ronnie Hutcheson, Graham Barnett, Bryan ‘Vim’ Wallace and John ‘The Viking’ Kennedy.
“Excitement is building and we have only a couple of sleeps left,” Ronnie Hutcheson said yesterday.
He is a veteran of numerous foreign trips with Jailer Tours to countries including Russia, Greece, Cyprus, Belgium and many others too numerous to mention.
“Our flight leaves Edinburgh at 6am on Wednesday so it will be a very early start for us. And going by previous trips, there won’t be much chance to catch up on our sleep until we get back on Saturday evening.”
A flight cancellation for one of the planned legs of the journey meant extra work for organiser Craig Miller but the travel arrangements are all in place.
The group touch down in Berlin just after 9am tomorrow, with a train taking them on to Dortmund for the next stage of their adventure.
An overnight stay has been arranged, allowing the thirsty travellers to sample the delights of German beer - and hospitality.
Then, Thursday morning, it’s up, up and away, with an 8.30am flight from Dortmund touching down in Chisinau just after midday.
Two nights in the Regency Hotel have been lined up to allow the weary travellers to adjust to the time difference and also take in the cluster of museums which are conveniently located to offer Tartan Army culture vultures an insight into local history and art.
Philistines among the Jailer Tours group will also be delighted to learn that international restaurants and bars “dot the streets,” according to hotel tourist information.
After Friday’s vital ‘must win’ game, the return trip is slightly less arduous.
The plane leaves the Moldovan airport at 1.30pm, going via Dublin and landing back in Edinburgh shortly before 6pm on Saturday.
“Hopefully we’ll have plenty to celebrate after the Moldova match but, knowing Scotland, they may not make it easy for their long-suffering following,” said Ronnie.
