An American was left shocked after Scottish football fans arrived at an Airbnb across the road from his home and then started playing the bagpipes at 6.30am.
Members of the Tartan Army arrived at the property in Massachusetts ‘in the dead of night’ on Wednesday, bedecked it in Scotland flags and treated the neighbourhood to a musical performance early the next day.
Mike Morrison, a director of communications for hospitals in Boston who lives opposite the house, took to social media to share a clip of the group.
Three men were seen outside the home, one wearing a kilt and taking selfies, while a second is playing the traditional Scottish instrument.
A Scotland flag flutters from an upstairs window, while national bunting also adorns a wooden fence along the front of the property.
Despite the early hour, Mr Morrison confessed to enjoying the performance, saying he welcomes the group ‘whole-heartedly’ and adding: ‘Positive vibes only. We love having them here!’
He also shared a meme from the 1995 film Braveheart in which Mel Gibson, playing William Wallace, famously shouts at his men to hold themselves back to avoid alerting the enemy to their battle trap.
He wrote the caption: ‘Me trying to resist running across the street for daytime pints with the Scots.’
Not everyone was so pleased: several Scottish people unconnected with the fans apologised to Mr Morrison over the video on social media, while others told him to ‘call the cops’. The communications director assured those commenting that no apology was necessary.
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But he did jokingly ask Airbnb for a spare ticket to Scotland’s opening game in compensation for the noise.
Scottish fans have descended on the north-western American state in recent days ahead of their side’s opening game against Haiti at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough in the early hours of Sunday UK time.
Some 30,000 footsoldiers have secured tickets for the matches, and it is thought that another 20,000 will travel to the US just to be there.
Many have already kicked off celebrations in Boston, gathering at pubs and bars in the city. One such venue, The Dubliner, shared footage of hundreds of fans, dressed in Scotland shirts, hats and carrying flags, singing and dancing.
Earlier this week, some were given a memorable send-off as they departed for the nation’s first World Cup finals in 28 years.
The supporters were given a special procession inside Edinburgh Airport, with pipers, drummers and Highland dancers escorting the travellers to their departure gates.
Around 100 supporters were serenaded by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo pipes and drums, as a sea of tartan filled the departures hall.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of the airport, said: ‘The Tartan Army is famous around the world and we wanted to create something special to celebrate their spirit and Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup.
‘There’s nothing more stirring than the sound of the pipes, and we are delighted to work with our partners at Edinburgh Military Tattoo to showcase Scottish tradition at its very best – and put on a bit of a show for all of the tourists who will be in the airport. Best of luck to Scotland – do us proud.’
Among the fans to fly to the US for the World Cup is First Minister John Swinney, of the SNP.
Thousands of fans have already made the trip, with more to arrive over the coming days.
Although some have reported problems gaining permission to enter the US, and having their ESTA applications denied, for most the journey has been smooth.
One flight earlier this week proved extra special for one family, after they managed to secure tickets to the game while in mid-air.
Christopher Currie from Ayr told BBC Scotland he used the airline’s wi-fi to buy four tickets for the opening game.
‘We managed to buy tickets at 34,000ft (10363m) so it’s been a great flight. We’re absolutely buzzing now,’ he said.
The World Cup officially began last night with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which the former, which is joint hosting the tournament, won 2-0.
Scotland’s first game against Haiti will kick off at 2am UK time, or 9pm in Boston.
