Scotland followers deliver World Cup social gathering to Miami as hundreds march to native baseball match
Thousands of Scottish football fans, the Tartan Army, paraded through Miami on Monday in a distinctive homage to the local Marlins baseball team.
Starting in Little Havana, supporters donned kilts, Scotland jerseys, and cone hats, chanting about ‘super’ John McGinn and Steve Clarke.
Their march from the Ball & Chain bar to LoanDepot Park was met with enthusiasm by Miami locals.
With the arid Miami weather, some Scots opted for the signature “taps aff” look, with the scent of an abundance of sun cream and lager in the air.
The Leitch family were one of hundreds of families from Scotland to take part in the march.
The family of four, comprised of Alan, 51, Linn, Alfie, six, and young Alan, 15, appeared delighted to take part.
Mr 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.”
Mrs Leitch said: “The atmosphere here is absolutely amazing, just electric.
“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 US nationals 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!”
Mr Chalmers joked: “I am definitely not acclimated!”
Legions of Scots then left the stadium, with the singing and laughter heard several streets away.
