Tartan Army march to Cologne as Germans watch 20,000 Scotland fans coming down the road

An estimated 20,000 Scotland fans have taken part in an extraordinary march to the stadium in Cologne.

It’s thought the numbers exceeded those of 2007 when the Tartan Army brought the centre of Paris to a standstill before a victory over France.

Trains from Cologne’s main station were packed to the rafters, with fans treating local commuters to the full retinue of popular songs, including “We’ll be coming down the road.”

One helpfully brought a klaxon. Some came equipped with bottles of beer to sustain them on the 10 minute journey to the north of the city.

As they waited in the sunshine for the leading bagpipers to move off, they danced to the Proclaimers’ ‘500 Miles’ and jived to a medley of pop songs.

Germans living nearby took their children to a multi-storey car park, overlooking the colourful passing parade.

Mum Anna Schnitger was keen to show her support for the visitors.

The 46-year-old biologist from Cologne laughed: ”They seem to be so friendly. They drink a lot, I can see, but they cause no trouble.

“I heard they were coming here and wanted my children to enjoy the spectacle.”

Some swigged from that powerful tonic of choice, Buckfast, which a wily Scottish entrepreneur imported specially to Germany for the game.

Worryingly, the organisers included Bonnie Tyler’s adopted anthem “It’s a Heartache” a dangerous thing to do before such an important match.

Glasgow retiree Robin Gillies, who used to work on brands like Famous Grouse whisky, attended with son Jamie, 32.

Robin, 66, of Glasgow, said: ”This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“For years, we’ve been saying we will go to the next big championship and this is it.”

Jamie added: ”This is one of the best days of my life. And it's my birthday in Stuttgart on Saturday!”

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