Tartan Army's Cone Tradition Brightens Boston

Statues across Boston have recently been adorned with traffic cones, a playful prank by Scotland's Tartan Army attending the World Cup. This tradition, which began in Glasgow during the 1980s, involves placing cones on the heads of prominent statues.

The practice originated as a late-night prank on the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow. Despite initial removal by authorities, locals continued to replace the cones, making it a persistent fixture. Scots view this custom as a reflection of their lighthearted spirit and refusal to take themselves too seriously.

Fans also engage in other pranks, like creating bubble baths in public fountains. This World Cup marks Scotland's first appearance in 28 years, and their first win in 36 years. The cone tradition gained momentum through social media, with fans enthusiastically sharing photos and even locals joining in for selfies.

While the impact on local officials is unclear, with the city unreachable for comment, the cones are frequently removed and then swiftly re-placed by dedicated fans. This practice has become a distinctive cultural marker for the Tartan Army during their international travels.