Anticipation (and rain clouds) build as TRNSMT festival becomes Scotland fan zone

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Rain fails to dampen spirits as TRNSMT festival becomes World Cup fan zone23 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJonathan GeddesGlasgow and west reporterGetty ImagesFans begin to arrive for this year's TRNSMT festivalPouring rain hasn't dampened the spirits of Scotland fans as they prepare to watch a crucial World Cup match at the country's biggest music festival. Anticipation is building among supporters both at home and in the US as Steve Clarke's team prepare to take on Morocco in Boston. After defeating Haiti 1-0 last Saturday, another victory would guarantee qualification from the group stages for the first time - and a draw would almost certainly secure a place in the last 32.

The match will be shown in pubs and fan zones across the county - with the biggest crowd gathering at the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, which will show the match on huge screens from 23:00 BST. Tens of thousands of members of the Tartan Army will also be watching the action in Boston. TRNSMT's organisers DF Concerts secured a late licence to broadcast the match into the early hours of Saturday, despite concerns from local residents.

The Details

Geoff Ellis, the chief executive of DF Concerts, called for a "sea of saltires" at the festival - but the early hours of the event were dominated by a plethora of ponchos as fans tried to stay dry. Steven Aitken and Clare Dolan said the downpour reminded them of past trips to TRNSMT's predecessor T in the Park. They had booked tickets for the festival and said the football was a bonus.

"If we get an early goal it'll be amazing and even if we lose the place is going to be bouncing. "It's Scotland, we're used to the weather! "Friends Brooke, Lewis and Megan were using Scotland flags to try and shelter from the weather, but were confident of a Scottish victory later.

"If Scotland don't win then we'll still celebrate as if they did," they said. Fans said the bad weather would not stop them cheering on ScotlandHeadline act Richard Ashcroft is due to finish by 22:15, instead of the typical curfew of about 23:00. Once the former Verve singer wraps up, pre-match entertainment will then take over.

What Experts Say

Singer and piper Cammy Barnes - who opened the festival just after midday - will be back on stage to play Flower of Scotland on the pipes just before the match kicks off. He told Scotland News he was pleased to have the unique distinction of being the only act to ever open and close the festival on the same day. And he said he was honoured to be trusted with playing Flower of Scotland.

"When you cut the pipes off and the audience keeps singing, that moment can never be touched. It's a proper hair up on your arms moment. "It's typical Scottish weather today but it's no bothering anybody.

"Other acts performing on Friday include indie rock band Wolf Alice, veteran funk star Nile Rodgers and psychedelic rock band the Beta Band, who reformed last year after more than two decades away.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.