The Tartan Army brought the joy to Boston. On my walk from Edinburgh to Glasgow, I tried to recreate the magic.

On June 12, fans in navy-blue soccer jerseys and kilts poured into Boston after arriving at Logan Airport, turning the city’s World Cup buzz into something more visible and social. Many headed to The Haven, described as Boston’s only Scottish pub and restaurant, where Glasgow-raised owner Jason Waddleton organized a three-night festival with tents next to the venue. Between match viewings and shared celebrations, Boston residents joined spontaneous marches and even bagpipe-led moments. The mood raised a question as the Tartan Army moved on to Miami for the Brazil match: could the city keep the energy after they left? Motivated by the shift, the author considered walking the canal route from Edinburgh to Glasgow—about 57 miles.