Tartan Army marches through Miami as thousands of Scotland fans take over the city

Thousands of Scotland supporters took over the streets of Miami on Monday, marching from the Ball & Chain bar in Little Havana to LoanDepot Park in a colourful pre-World Cup parade that turned heads across the city.

The Tartan Army arrived in full regalia — kilts, Scotland jerseys, and cone hats — chanting about midfielder John McGinn and manager Steve Clarke as they made their way through the Florida heat. With temperatures soaring, many fans opted for the signature Scottish “taps aff” approach, the air thick with sun cream and lager.

Miami locals greeted the procession with enthusiasm, and the warmth continued inside the stadium. The crowd at the Marlins vs Texas Rangers game joined in with Scotland chants and Scottish songs played over the PA throughout the evening, despite the hosts ultimately falling 4-3.

Among the marchers was the Leitch family from Scotland — Alan, 51, his wife Linn, and their two sons Alfie, six, and Alan, 15 — who made the trip on a matter of hours’ notice. “We nearly missed it,” Alan Leitch said. “Linn was going to work and she phoned me to say, ‘we’re going to the States, our flight leaves in three and a half hours.’” His wife described the atmosphere as “absolutely amazing, just electric,” adding that the sheer number of Scots so far from home made the occasion feel “incredible.”

The heat was a recurring theme in post-march reflections. David Chalmers, 26, from Edinburgh, called the march “amazing” but conceded it was “really hot.” Paul Hefferman, 54, a Scot now living in Louisiana, agreed: “The march was awesome, but it was hot — I’m acclimated to it now.” Chalmers was quick to clarify he was not.

Flags bearing saltires emblazoned with towns and cities from across Scotland were visible throughout the route, and the singing could be heard several streets from the stadium long after the final whistle. Scotland are in Miami ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage fixtures, and if Monday’s turnout is any indication, the Tartan Army has already made its presence felt in South Florida.