Tartan Army shelter in Cologne pubs after storm warning as Scots pray for win

Scotland fans have taken shelter in pubs across Cologne after a storm warning shut down the city's fan zone.

Thousands of thirsty Tartan Army members are praying we can reignite our Euro campaign ahead of our match with a win against Switzerland on Wednesday night.

Many of those had hoped to watch today's Euro 2024 matches on the big screens, but with thunder and lighting forecast the two fan zones in the Heumarket and Tanzbrunnen areas were forced to close their doors.

Some who had arrived early in the city were left disappointed, but they didn't let the rain dampen their spirit as they piled into the Alter Markt boozers. Steven Forbes, a plumber from Aberdeen, was sitting outside the Corkonian Irish pub waiting for it to open at 12pm.

The 53-year-old said: "We've travelled in from Wuppertal and we're now just waiting for the bar to open. We'll have a few drinks here then head back later on. We're not letting the weather affect our day too much. We've got tickets for the game tomorrow and we're praying for a win. We're always better in the second game so I think we can do it."

Nearby Steven Malcher, an IT consultant from Paisley, was enjoying a lager. The 55-year-old said: "This is our first pint of the day. It's just been a race to the pub with everyone trying to get a seat before the storm comes.

"We were hoping to sit in the beer garden but I don't think that's going to happen. We're just going to batten down the hatches and drink beer all day. I was lucky enough to get tickets for all three games.

"I watched the Swiss V Hungary game and I looked at the two of them and thought we might not even get a goal - never mind a point. We're just here to enjoy ourselves now. If Scotland get anything it will be a bit of a miracle."

Youngster Finn Currie, from Balfron, was sipping on a Coca Cola after enjoying some brunch in a local eatery. The 15-year-old said: "We got a train through this morning and explored the city to check out where the fan zones were.

"We're a bit disappointed it had to close due to the weather but we're just going to find a pub to watch the game inside. At least we will get the fan zones tomorrow for the most important games. I think we've got a chance tomorrow. We're really hoping for a win."

Gillian Rae - who works for a holiday company - was with her dad Ian, 71, a retired head teacher at St Clement's Primary School in Dundee. The 36-year-old said: "We've been enjoying walking around but when we saw the forecast we thought we better jump in for a beer. We're used to the rain anyway, being from Scotland. We've got a chance tomorrow. I think we'll still get out of the group."

Kayleigh Watt, a contract manager from Dalkeith, has been battling it out with her husband George for their one ticket for tomorrow's crunch match.

The 39-year old said: "We've just been enjoying the pubs in the market here. The atmosphere has been absolutely amazing. We've not really needed to go into the fan zone because we've had the bagpipes and everybody singing here. It's just been electric.

"Me and my husband only have one ticket between us so we need to find one more - he's not going if I'm not going! We're hoping to get another but if not we'll watch it from one of the fan zones. The atmosphere will be just as good there. I think it will be tough but I'll go 2-1 Scotland."

Back at the fan zone Edinburgh lads Oban Anderson, 25, a recruitment consultant, Connor Bathgate, a 27-year-old heating engineer, and his brother Liam, 32, electrician, were eating pizza and drinking beer after arriving off the plane.

Oban said: "We've just arrived off the 6am flight from Edinburgh to Frankfurt this morning. It's a bit gloomy but we're hoping Scotland can brighten up the city. We've not been letting the weather affect us. We've been in the pub all day having a great time and we're going to the Open Goal event later. We've got tickets for tomorrow. After yesterday it's hard to be optimistic but I fancy we can get a draw and take it to the last game."

Not everyone was on the beers, though. Ruaridh Davidson, 30, a financial analyst from Edinburgh and Chris Campbell, 50, a property director, also from the capital, were enjoying a cycle tour of the city when they were approached by the Record.

Chris said: "We are just doing a bike tour around the old city and some of the new city, going across the bridges. It's been great fun - a great way to explore the city. Thankfully the weather didn't affect us too much but the forecast isn't looking too good for this afternoon so we're just hoping it stays off before the tour finishes.

"We've got a boat tour booked later too so we're hoping that doesn't end up cancelled. So long as the game is on tomorrow, that's all that matters. I think we're going to win 2-1."

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