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Boston, Glasgow Ink Sister-City Pact Amid Tartan Fan Surge

6/19/2026

Summary

Wu Signs Partnership

Boston and Glasgow signed a sister-city partnership on Thursday, announced by Mayor Michelle Wu.
Wu signed a declaration of intent at The Haven in Jamaica Plain to begin the partnership process.
Roughly 50,000 Scottish Tartan Army fans visited Greater Boston for the 2026 World Cup, tripling beer sales at Hennessy’s Bar.
Partnership will be formalized in April 2027 on Tartan Day after the World Cup matches at Boston Stadium.

Summary

Healey Legalizes Haggis

Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order legalising haggis in Massachusetts after the fans’ arrival.
Boston officials proclaimed the Tartan Army honorary mascots and a record-breaking visitor draw.
The Red Sox issued 4,000 limited-edition tickets that included a custom Tartan-Army shirt.
Scottish supporters placed traffic cones on Boston statues, echoing a long-standing Glasgow custom.
Tennent’s Lager expanded from one Boston venue to 76 pubs to meet soaring demand.

Summary

Scottish Fans Drink

Airlines were unprepared when Scottish fans drank beer on flights to Boston, prompting fan John Collins to tell Herald football is secondary to drinking and to urge Boston restaurants to prepare.
The White Bull Tavern ran out of tap beer, prompting Tip Tap manager Nick Giannotti to reorder Veltins, Mast Landing and Stiegl lagers.
Sam Adams’ taproom added a “Market Lager” Vienna-style brew and requested 12 extra kegs on Saturday.

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Wu Signs Partnership

Boston and Glasgow signed a sister-city partnership on Thursday, announced by Mayor Michelle Wu.
Wu signed a declaration of intent at The Haven in Jamaica Plain to begin the partnership process.
Roughly 50,000 Scottish Tartan Army fans visited Greater Boston for the 2026 World Cup, tripling beer sales at Hennessy’s Bar.
Partnership will be formalized in April 2027 on Tartan Day after the World Cup matches at Boston Stadium.

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