A group of Scottish football supporters, part of the world-renowned Tartan Army, arrived at an Airbnb in a Massachusetts neighbourhood in the dead of night Wednesday, decorated the house with Scotland flags, and launched into a bagpipe-and-singing performance at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.. The early-morning concert, captured on video by neighbour Mike Morrison—a Boston hospital communications director—has drawn both delighted applause and a smattering of online criticism, as thousands of fans descend on New England for Scotland's opening World Cup match against Haiti this weekend in Foxborough.

The 6:30 a.m. Wake-Up Call That Divided a Boston Block

According to the news report, Morrison, who lives across the street from the rented property, posted a clip showing three men outside the Airbnb—one in a kilt taking selfies, another playing the bagpipes, and a large Scotland flag hanging from an upstairs window with decorative bunting along the fence. Despite the early hour, Morrison said he welcomed the group "whole-heartedly" and posted a meme from Braveheart captioned: "Me trying to resist running across the street for daytime pints with the Scots." Some Scottish social-media users unrelated to the group apologised to Morrison, while others suggested he "call the cops." Morrison assured them no apology was needed and jokingly asked Airbnb for a spare match ticket as compensation.

30,000 Fans and Counting: Scotland's World Cup Invasion of New England

The scene at the Airbnb is part of a much larger wave: the report estimates that 30,000 supporters have already secured tickets for the tournament, with another 20,000 expected to travel to the US simply to soak in the atmosphere. celebrations have been building across Boston, with gatherings at pubs like The Dubliner, where footage showed hundreds of fans wearing Scotland shirts and hats, waving flags, singing, and dancing. The match against Haiti is scheduled for early Sunday morning UK time at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

An Airport Send-Off with Pipers, Drummers , and Highland Dancers

Before the Boston antics began, departing fans received a stirring farewell at Edinburgh Airport. According to the report, about 100 supporters were escorted to their gates by pipers, drummers, and Highland dancers from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with tartan-clad travellers filling the departures hall. Gordon Dewar, the airport's chief executive, said the sound of the pipes is "nothing more stirring" and that the gesture was meant to celebrate Scotland's long-awaited return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Among those travelling to the US is First Minister John Swinney of the SNP.

The ESTA Hurdles and Unanswered Questions About Travel Bumps

While most journeys have gone smoothly , the report notes that some fans experienced issues with US entry permissions and ESTA visa denials. It remains unclear how many were affected, whether they were able to resolve the issues in time, and if any fans missed the match as a result. The story does not identify any specific complainants beyond the online critics of the Boston bagpipe performance, leaving open the question of how widespread any travel friction truly is. Also unreported: the reaction from the Airbnb host, and whether Morrison's joke about a ticket will be taken seriously.