The Tartan Army has arrived in force in Boston as fans kick off celebrations ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match in 28 years.
First Minister John Swinney, actor Gerard Butler and singer Clare Grogan are among famous figures who have made the trip to the Massachusetts capital ready for the team’s first fixture against Haiti on Saturday at 9pm local time – 2am BST.
They were among guests who were greeted by a piper as they arrived at a Scottish Night in Boston Dinner and Gala Event at the Royale in Boston.
Butler, star of the movie 300, wore a kilt and football shirt and gave a thumbs up as he arrived at the event held in aid of Street Soccer Scotland.
Also seen arriving at the gala, were Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd, also sporting a kilt, actors Martin Compston and Tony Curran, former footballers James McFadden and Darren Fletcher and broadcaster Gordon Smart.
Arriving in a tartan-covered car was Mike Mulraney, the president of the Scottish Football Association, and Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the Scottish Premier League. Former rugby union player Gregor Townsend also attended the event.
Bars in the city were flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire including the Scotland House at the Anchor Bar, where a water fountain was filled with foam as fans began their celebrations.
A group of fans at the Scottish pub The Haven unveiled a massive flag with the slogan “The Party’s Back”.
One fan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing for it, it’s been six months of waiting.”
Another said: “I’ve been saving up for months and months to be here.”
Charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson was met with cheers as he completed a 3,000-mile kilted charity walk across the United States in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The 22-year-old managed to complete the hike, which he started in February in Los Angeles, with a day to spare and was met by local pipers at Boston Common on Friday.
There he was also greeted by crowds of supporters, members of the Tartan Army and Scottish expats, some waving Scotland flags as they cheered and chanted “no Scotland, no party”.
Mr Ferguson afterwards said the reception was “everything (he) could have dreamed of”.
Shortly before finishing the walk Mr Ferguson, who is from Paisley, Renfrewshire, also learned the Scottish Government had made a £400,000 donation to his walk – and he has now reached his £1 million fundraising target.
