Dunedin, Florida, is abuzz with excitement as social media chatter suggests the Tartan Army, supporters of the Scotland national football team, might visit the city. The New World Celts Dunedin Chapter posted an invitation asking the Tartan Army to visit, and the governor reposted a message claiming the fans were heading to Dunedin from Miami.

Local Businesses Prepare

Local businesses, including Flanagan’s Irish Pub, prepared for the crowds by scheduling extra staff and ensuring a steady beer supply. Jason Seibert, the owner of Flanagan’s Irish Pub and Rosie’s Tavern, said, ‘We have a lot of people scheduled to come in. So, we have plenty of staff, and then we’ve talked to the beer companies to make sure that they know that when we run out of beer, bring it from the warehouse.’

Alan McHale, the director of Scottish American Society of Dunedin, expressed hope but realism before the update, saying, ‘We would love the Tartan Army to come through Dunedin. What more appropriate time would there be for that to happen? But we think it’s unlikely, and if it’s like Brigadoon, and it happens once in a lifetime, we would love it to be here.’

Heritage and History

Scottish merchants founded Dunedin in the 1800s, naming it after the Scottish Gaelic word for Edinburgh. The city maintains strong ties to its heritage through its sister city relationship with Stirling, Scotland, its pipe bands, and the annual Highland Games. Robert Peirson, the founder of the New World Celts and past president of the Scottish American Society, said, ‘We’re always very proud of our Scottish heritage here. We’re very happy with the way Dunedin has embraced our Scottish culture and the commissioners now even have their own kilts that they wear proudly, and we also have one of the best Highland Games in Florida.’

Although the Tartan Army announced that most fans are heading home due to Dunedin’s distance from Miami, the city is keeping the spirit alive. Dunedin Brewery is offering a free pint to anyone wearing a kilt, saying, ‘Let’s build our own Tartan Army regardless of the rumors.’

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.