'Absolutely buzzing': Scotland fans arrive on US soil

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Scotland fans arrive in the US as World Cup anticipation builds4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMegan BonarandKayleigh Harvey , Scotland, BostonJim StewartJim Stewart (second left) and friends watched the pre-tournament friendly with BoliviaThousands of Scotland fans are descending on Boston after making the long journey to the US for the World Cup. Anticipation is building as the men's team prepare to play in the tournament for the first time in almost 30 years. Members of the Tartan Army have been arriving in the east coast of the US ahead of the opening fixture with Haiti, which will be played at 21:00 local time on Saturday - 02:00 BST on Sunday for those watching back home.

While dozens of fans have reported issues with travel permits being revoked at the last minute, thousands have already completed the journey. The World Cup kicks off on Thursday night with the opening ceremony and the first game between Mexico and and South Africa. Christopher Currie from Ayr travelled to Boston with his son HudsonEdinburgh Airport was awash with kilts and Scotland tops on Wednesday as fans headed to the States via different flight routes.

The Details

Some going direct to Massachusetts, where Scotland play their first two group games in Boston, with others travelling to neighbouring states. The Delta direct flight to Boston was special for one family, who managed to secure match tickets mid-flight. Christopher Currie from Ayr told Scotland he used the airline's wi-fi to buy four tickets to see Scotland v Haiti for a "decent" price.

He said: "We managed to buy tickets at 34,000ft (10363m) so it's been a great flight. We're absolutely buzzing now. "It will be his son Hudson's first big international game.

Jim Stewart has already travelled to the USFans who have already travelled to the US include 69-year-old Jim Stewart from Edinburgh. He has been following Scotland since he saw his first game at Hampden as a 15-year-old schoolboy in 1972. That match ended in a 1-0 defeat to England – but Jim was hooked.

What Experts Say

One of his most memorable moments came in 1977 at Wembley, where he saw the 2-1 victory over England. The match is still remembered for the post-match pitch invasion, where fans stole parts of the turf and broke the crossbar on one of the goals. "I was on the pitch that day.

My dad's got a bit of Wembley turf in his garden somewhere still - but no goalposts," said Jim. His first World Cup was Spain in 1982, when he and eight friends bought a campervan, covered it in tartan wallpaper and drove to Malaga. Jim StewartJim Stewart Jim - in the middle of the back row, wearing a Scotland top - and friends took a campervan to the 1982 World CupThe 1982 competition in Spain was the first World Cup that Jim (back right) attendedFootball matches took a back seat when Jim moved to England to pursue a career as a financial advisor, but his interest was rekindled in the early 2000s.

Jim says he hasn't missed a Scotland game – home or away – since the 2018 game against Peru.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.