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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Jamie Calder

Tartan Army takes over Miami streets in parade to local baseball stadium

Tartan Army followers stop at a bar during a march through the streets of Miami, Florida (Image: Ryan McDougall/PA Wire)

THE Tartan Army marched through the streets of Miami in a homage to the city’s Miami Marlins baseball team.

Starting at the Little Havana region on Monday, thousands of fans wearing kilts, Scotland jerseys and cone hats – chanting for “super John McGinn" and manager Steve Clarke.

They were greeted by swathes of Miami locals as they paraded from the Ball & Chain bar to the Marlins’ LoanDepot Park.

The Leitch family were one of hundreds of families from Scotland to take part in the march.

The family of four, comprised of Alan, Linn, Alfie, and Alan appeared delighted to take part.

Alan Leitch said: “We wanted to be part of this. We nearly missed it.

“This was all very last-minute for us, Linn was going to work and she phoned me to say, ‘we’re going to the States, our flight leaves in three and a half hours.”

Linn Leitch added: “The atmosphere here is absolutely amazing, just electric.

Thousands of Tartan Army followers march through the streets of Miami, Florida, in a homage to the city's Miami Marlins baseball team (Image: Ryan McDougall/PA Wire)

“I’ve seen so many Scottish people here, and it’s so far away, it’s just incredible.”

The Marlins put on their best performance against the Texas Rangers, but were ultimately beaten 4-3.

The Scots were well-received by the Miami locals at the game, who joined in with the Scotland chants and Scottish songs played throughout the game.

Flags from all over the country could be seen, including Saltires with various towns and cities emblazoned on them.

Following the march and subsequent game, 26-year-old David Chalmers, of Edinburgh, said: “The march was amazing, but it was really hot!”

Fifty-four-year-old Paul Hefferman, who is from Scotland but now lives in Louisiana, added: “The march was awesome, but it was hot. I’m acclimated to it now!”

Chalmers joked: “I am definitely not acclimated!”

Legions of Scots then left the stadium, with the singing and laughter heard several streets away.

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