Aberdeen expat living in Scotland's Euros 2024 camp becomes town's unexpected posterboy

A Scotland supporter residing in Germany has unexpectedly become the face of his nation's arrival at Euro 2024.

Andrew Syme, originally from Aberdeen, was selected by his adopted Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to appear on three welcome billboards for the Scottish squad, which has set up its training camp there.

The 52-year-old, a well-known restaurant owner who has lived in the town for three decades, is depicted as a beer-drinking, kilt-wearing Scotsman alongside his German counterpart Martin Sedlmeier, clad in lederhosen.

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Andrew expressed: "I was obviously thrilled that Scotland had qualified and it was great fun taking part in the photoshoot for the posters and of course drinking the beer. I never thought I'd become a model at 52."

The posters are displayed against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-covered Alps that tower over the town, reports the Daily Record.

Andrew picked up German by watching football on television. As the only person in town owning a kilt and Highland dress, he was the natural choice to represent a Scotland fan.

After graduating in sociology from Stirling University, Andrew moved to the town 30 years ago and has stayed ever since. He initially worked there during his student holidays, washing dishes and clearing tables in restaurants.

His love for this region of Germany began in the 80s when his Army major father took the family there for Alpine skiing holidays.

For 18 years, Andrew, an avid football fan, ran his own mountain restaurant and currently serves as the deputy manager for a restaurant company.

He added: "Every time I had gone back there during the summer I fell more and more in love with the place.

"Over the years I learned how to cook and run a restaurant. I have two teenagers and the town is a great place for them to grow up. They are fluent in English and German."

Andrew, an ardent Scotland supporter, attended the World Cup in Italy in 1990, but unfortunately, he won't be able to attend the three group games, including Scotland's first match against Germany in Munich on June 14, due to work obligations.

Previously, the Record reported that Elizabeth Koch, the mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is keen for the Scots to bring their most enthusiastic supporter. She also confessed to being a huge Rod Stewart fan.