What do Scots want to see from the Tartan Army and their bagpipes in Germany?
By Ethan Barlow, Euan Moore, Jaimie Fairley
Scotland will need all the help they can get in Germany (Image: Getty Images)
On Wednesday (7 February) it was announced that Scotland fans will be allowed to take their bagpipes into stadiums at Euro 2024.
It looked as if the tartan army may have to go without the national instrument, but it seems like Germany and UEFA would like to embrace and welcome the Scots and their atmosphere after all.
A spokesperson for UEFA confirmed: "Fans are welcome to bring instruments to the stadium, but they will have to register them with their respective national associations, who will be responsible for centralising their fans’ activities inside the stadium."
Even if Scotland can’t make a positive impact on the pitch, there will certainly be an impact made off the pitch as the travelling Scots will hope to inspire history for the national team. So, what would people like to see from the pipers who set abroad?
In Glasgow, Scots want drums to accompany the bagpipes which is something we’ve got very used to seeing in all levels of the Scottish football pyramid. 69-year-old Ellen Hamilton would love to see violins in Germany, but she shouldn’t get her hopes up. Robert Hawthorn, 61, isn’t even a fan of the bagpipes but understands that it’s essential in Germany: “I don’t like the bagpipes. I suppose most people would want the bagpipes, but I hate them.”
There was a varied selection of songs that were chosen to be played on the bagpipes. The national anthem unsurprisingly came up a few times but there were also suggestions like; AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”, or “Highland Cathedral”.
The Tartan Army will travel in full force to support Scotland at the Euros (Image: Getty Images)
Scotland’s national anthem “Flower of Scotland” has caused a debate as to whether it’s time for a new national anthem. A third of the responses wanted something fresh to ring out before kick-off in Munich. Hawthorn hates the national anthem but couldn’t quite put a finger on what he wants in its wake. 75-year-old James Mullen would like to hear “Flower of Scotland” played on the bagpipes but wants something less “dreary” as the countries national anthem.
There's been lot’s of debate on what instruments and tunes should be associated with the Scotland National team. But one thing’s for sure. The Tartan Army will have their bagpipes in Germany in full force.