Edinburgh Scotland fans reflect on 'amazing' experience despite Euro 2024 heartbreak

Gutted Scotland fans who watched their country bow out of Euro 2024 following a last-minute goal from opponents Hungary have reflected on the memorable tournament.

Steve Clarke's side finished the group in last place with just one point courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Scotland were left to rue a missed chance to go 1-0 up against the Hungarians in stoppage time in Stuttgart.

With two points giving the players a glimmer of hope of progressing to the knockout stages, just one means they exit the competition in a crushing blow to tens of thousands of supporters who made the trip to Germany.

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As our sister title the Daily Record reports, thousands of ticketless fans gathered around the huge screen at the city's Stadtgarten to watch the crunch match on Sunday night.

The Record spoke to fans as they left the area and reflected on another poor major tournament performance - scoring just one goal and struggling to replicate the attacking threat showcased during their impressive qualifying form.

Among those who shared their thoughts on the performance and tournament as a whole was Edinburgh ambulance service worker Trudi Liddell, 52, who described the experience in Germany as "absolutely amazing."

She said: "It's not the result that we wanted but nonetheless the experience has been absolutely amazing. I might never get to travel across to see Scotland at a major tournament ever again. It's been brilliant.

"The fan zone that they set up was absolutely amazing too. It was the best thing about this whole trip.

"It was even better than the official fan zone they set up for us in Cologne. I had a seat with a perfect view of the screen and we were even able to bring in our own drinks. It was fantastic."

Steven Presslie, 43, a police officer from Monkton, said: "It's gutting. Really disappointing. It feels like a missed opportunity, but it's still been an awesome experience.

"This fan zone experience was great, just look at how many people are here. It was unreal to see how many Scots were in Germany. Even though we lost, it was still an amazing atmosphere."

Retired fireman David Murdoch was at the makeshift fan zone with his wife Michelle, a 48-year-old finance manager from East Kilbride.

David, 52, said: "It's really disappointing to go out like that but we've had an amazing experience out here in Germany. I go all over the world but this has been the best trip ever.

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"It was amazing to watch it from here too, I can't believe they put this up for us in five days. We came down early at around 3pm to soak up the atmosphere and the place was just mobbed with Scots all day.

"I gave my daughter my ticket for today but it was incredible to watch it from here. The screen was high-resolution and the fans were packed in here. The queues for beers were fine as well and there were plenty of food stalls too."

In a show of defiance at the heartbreaking result, Scotland supporters sang Flower of Scotland in Stuttgart's fan zone just moments after our Euro adventure came to a crushing end.

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Tens of thousands of ticketless Tartan Army watched on in horror as Hungary's late winner ended our dreams of qualification through the group.

Thousands of disappointed fans at the viewing area in the city's Stadtgarten let out a huge groan as they quickly piled out of the park.

Some kicked bottles and others were in tears as they headed home. Some others, however, stayed and clapped the team at the end before dozens began singing the national anthem.