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Tartan Army feels the heat in Boston as World Cup kicks off

Megan BonarBBC Scotland, Boston
News imagePA Media Piper playing bagpipes in front of a historic red-brick building near a sign reading 'Boston Common Founded 1634', with a clock tower and city street scene in the backgroundPA Media
Scotland fan Simon Morley plays bagpipes outside Park Street Church in Boston

The Tartan Army is feeling the heat in Boston as plane-loads of fans continue to arrive in the city as the World Cup gets underway.

Visitors are facing 31C temperatures, with the soaring heat expected to continue into Saturday when Scotland's men face Haiti in their opening match.

Around 30,000 fans are expected in Boston for the fixture and city streets and bars are gradually filling up with kilts and Scotland tops.

The tournament kicked off on Thursday night with the opening ceremony and first game between Mexico and and South Africa.

Mexico, one of the three host nations, won the match 2-0.

The atmosphere has been building at the Haven Bar - Boston's only Scottish pub - with a piper playing the US national anthem and extra Scottish beer shipped in.

At one table are brothers Paul Flynn and Gary Collins, who have come together for the tournament.

Originally from Glasgow, they now live thousands of miles apart in Australia and York.

"There's a real air of anticipation, everyone is in a good jovial mood," said Gary

"It feels like we're on the cusp of something special.

"The tartan army has got a reputation and Boston is welcoming us well so far.

"We've had people pulling over in the car just to say good luck."

News imageTwo people in football shirts standing with arms around each other in a lively bar with antler-style chandeliers, a mounted deer head, and other patrons in the background
Brothers Paul Flynn and Gary Collins are together for the tournament

"Big" Jay Howard and his brother Ed Murray are in charge of security at The Haven. They have been given a crash course in Scottish culture.

Jay told BBC Scotland News: "It blew my mind, I came in yesterday and then these guys were wearing these kilts and they just started singing for no reason.

"I love the energy."

An American football fan, Jay said the crowd was very different to what he is used to.

He added: "This is a whole new world for me. Bostonians are excited, the bars are booming and it's bringing a real buzz to the city."

There have been some concerns about where Scotland fans will go in the city, with larger groups expected to arrive on Friday and Saturday.

Boston's main fan zone is oversubscribed and a huge number of travelling fans do not have match tickets.

News imageTwo people sitting at a bar inside a warmly lit pub, smiling at the camera with drinks on the counter, shelves of bottles and a draught list behind them, and a decorative tap handle in the center foreground
Jay Howard and his brother Ed Murray run security at The Haven bar

Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, said her office was working on opening a "consumption area" for supporters.

It is not clear whether it will be ready in time for Scotland's opening fixture with Haiti at 21:00 local time on Saturday.

Many fans are just happy to be in Boston and soak up the atmosphere

Jim Brown from Edinburgh said: "It's almost as good as at home. The beer has actually got a head on it here."

"A lot of US cities don't have that feeling. I don't think Boston truly knows what is about to hit it."

News imageThree people standing outdoors on a patio under blue shade sails, raising their arms and smiling, with a wooden fence, trees, and a drinks poster in the background
Nikki Smith from Keith - minus his suitcase - with friends Stuart Walker and Gary Morrison

For Nikki Smith from Keith, a lost suitcase has been an unlucky start to the trip, but is not a bad omen for Saturday.

He said: "My kilt is in the bag so and I don't have that and my contact lenses are in the bag so I can't see the game but we'll make it work."

Meanwhile, dozens of other Scottish fans have reported issues with US travel permits being revoked at the last minute.

On Thursday, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said he was "making representations" on behalf of supporters who had problems with their Electronic System of Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Alexander said he had spoken to the British ambassador to the United States who is in touch with US authorities.

He said: "Thousands of members of the Tartan Army have gone through the US visa system successfully, but we will continue to work with the US authorities to help resolve this issue as quickly as possible."