To the wonderful people of Hingham and Boston,
On behalf of a small group of Scottish football supporters who made the journey across the Atlantic, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We came to experience something special — our first World Cup in 28 years and our first tournament victory in 35 years. We arrived full of hope and excitement, but we never expected to leave with memories that would stay with us for the rest of our lives.
From the moment we arrived, you embraced us with warmth, generosity, and kindness. We shared conversations about family history, laughed together, danced together, ate together, and, more often than not, raised a glass together. So many of you bought us rounds of beer, welcomed us into your bars, your communities, and even your homes. You treated us not as strangers, but as friends.
Too often, the media focuses on division and negativity because bad news sells. But our experience told a very different story. Boston and Hingham, please take it from us: you are amazing people, and this is an amazing country.
The Tartan Army has travelled far and wide over the years, and we feed off the energy of the places that host us. We’ve been to destinations where people didn’t want to join the fun, where celebrations felt restrained or unwelcome. That couldn’t have been further from our experience with you. You created an atmosphere where everyone could come together, celebrate, laugh, sing, and enjoy life. You opened your hearts, and in doing so, made us feel at home thousands of miles from Scotland.
For many of us, including myself, this has genuinely been a life-changing experience. Long after the football is forgotten, we will remember the people. We will remember the conversations, the generosity, the friendships, and the feeling of belonging.
Our hope is simple: keep being yourselves. Keep showing kindness to strangers. Keep opening doors instead of closing them. Keep remembering that life’s best moments are often found in shared laughter, good company, and a willingness to connect with one another.
Let’s not take things so seriously all the time. The world is an amazing place when people choose kindness.
Boston is amazing.
Hingham is amazing.
And the people who call them home are truly unforgettable.
With our deepest gratitude,
The Hingham Tartan Army
Dougie, Ross (Dan) Duff, Kaiser (Alan), Kenny, and Del 🏴🍻❤️