Tartan Army old guard rally behind boys ahead of crunch Switzerland clash

Some of Scotland's most experienced fans got into the Euro 2024 spirit ahead of the crunch clash with Switzerland in Germany tonight.

While Steve Clarke's men were getting ready to take on the Swiss in Cologne, senior Tartan Army footsoldiers Iain Harris, 92, Robert Doran, 80, Anna Halliday, 82, and Madge Anderson, 94, visited a Scotland strip exhibition.

Ahead of the 8pm fixture, care home residents went to the 'Scotland Kits Through the Years' exhibit, at Glasgow's Silverburn Shopping Centre, to get into the spirit and rally behind the national squad.

The exclusive display brought back fond memories of the national team for residents from Renaissance Care's Whitecraigs Care Home, in Thornliebank, Glasgow.

And it offered the chance for residents to join in the fan zone, which was decorated with flags and homemade good luck banners.

The residents had the chance to reminisce about their favourite memories of Scotland's national team at the nostalgic exhibition of the national side's tops from past international games.

The display of fond footie memories has been delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Museum in support of Football Memories Scotland.

The national partnership with the Museum and Alzheimer Scotland supports over 500 reminiscence groups across the country.

And staff at homes have done their best to bring a touch of the Tartan Army's spirit to residents across the country so they can take in tonight's match in style.

They have tried to bring the party atmosphere to all 17 of Renaissance Care's homes across the country, with staff working closely with the chefs to arrange half-time pies and pints for the residents.

A special buffet will also be on offer during the games, and Campbells has donated pie shells and lids to each of the homes.

This has allowed the catering teams to get creative with a Scotch-A-Noff pie – a Scottish twist on stroganoff, which can be enjoyed in Germany.

Anna said: "I had a fantastic time visiting the Scotland Kits Through the Years exhibition. It was lovely to see a few shirts that I remember from watching Scotland in the past!

"I hope that Scotland do better against Switzerland. It would be great to see them score, and a draw would help keep the Tartan Army's spirits high."

Annemarie Porter, Whitecraigs Care Home Manager, said: "There's a real buzz of excitement around the home as everyone is thrilled to see Scotland in Euro 2024, especially the football fans who have fond memories of the team competing in the tournament for the first time in 1992.

"It's a great opportunity for us to get together and support Scotland, and we're looking forward to cheering them on across the group stages and hopefully even further!"

David Pierotti, General Manager of Silverburn, said: "We've enjoyed getting into the spirit of the Euro 2024 competition and reflecting on some of Scotland’s best international games through our exhibition.

"It's great to support Football Memories Scotland and along with the rest of the country, we wish our squad all the best for the tournament."

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