u/rozza84

Hi I’m passing through Pristina on 4 October to get a flight home the following day. I’d like to watch the national football team that evening. is it possible to buy a ticket as a neutral supporter?

If there any places that I should visit while I’m in the city I’d love to know about them. I should be in Pristina from 10am so have some time to see the sights.

My alarm is set and I’m off to the airport tomorrow. Feels like our all too brief love affair is over. From Olneyville to Pawtucket, Ive got to know people and communities who welcome strangers with open arms and who celebrate difference with pride.

You embraced a tartan takeover of your beautiful city, you drank and partied and sang with us, you asked what’s under our kilts and you shared your stories.

Together, we’ve supported children in need, made friends for life and watched cultures come together with love and joy.

Let’s make sure this is not the end. Keep coning your statues. Keep asking for change. Keep seeing the Scots as your friends across the ocean. Let’s work together for the future we want for our children.

I love you Providence. Let’s keep in touch.

*** Wow, it worked! I’ve had a lot of interest and limited space so unless I’ve already replied assume we are all full up for now. Thank You - No Scotland No Party ***

Folks - we have a Tartan Army slot at the Rhode Island Pride March tomorrow night.

Sadly the soldiers who want to come, cannot. Which means I have to recruit from outside the ranks. I may even consider fans repping others countries - let’s see you, Ghana. 🇬🇭

If you want to be part of a ragtag auxiliary crew bringing joy to Providence with songs, fun, laughter and a wee bit of swag please get in touch to let me know.

I’ve got a growing bag of shirts and flags that we can share.

People in Providence are asking what will happen when England come to town.

First, I need to say that the majority of England fans are brilliant people. We make light of our relationship (see my previous post) that stems from a long history of oppression but is mostly banter. We share a lot.

We talk the same language and we share a porous border. Most Scots have English family friends and neighbours and we travel back and forward for work, holidays and study.

The English are big drinkers too. Your bars and your restaurants will continue to do well from the increased custom. Lots of the fans are coming as families on their holidays and they’ll have a great time here with you just as we have.

A very small number of fans also have a history of disorder and violence that I think is tied to expectations of winning and they are not completely over that. If results don’t go their way, a small number of fans might release their anger through vandalism and violence. I don’t want to predict anything but some fans kicked off in Dallas after they WON a game.

In Scotland, the assumption is everyone is your friend until they prove you wrong. If one of us gets out of line, we quickly sit them down. With England, if you fallout with one, the rest will defend them.

Scotland have realistic expectations too. We are used to results that don’t go our way and we pick up and move on quick.

There is not an English Tartan Army. They will not raise money for your community. They will not organise a big party. They will not serenade commuters with bagpipes. They will not dream of draping your statues with traffic cones. They will not cause a ginger baby boom in 2027. And they will lnot sit outside of Nick-Nicks after a chilled few hours to write this post.

Might be a little drunk (two Narragansett deep here) but I fucking love this city. Stay safe Providence.

What quiz nights are there in PVD this week? Here until Sunday night and then it’s farewell to your outstanding city.

The Providence Tartan Army has announced a donation of $6,500 to the Rhode Island Highlanders following a series of successful fundraising efforts.

The donation recognises the important role the Rhode Island Highlanders play in preserving and promoting Scottish heritage throughout Rhode Island and the wider New England region. Through traditional Scottish music, dance, and educational outreach, the organisation helps keep Gaelic culture and values alive for future generations while entertaining audiences with its renowned Pipe Band performances.

Providence Tartan Army spokesperson Gregor Cowan said:

“As lovers of all things Scotland, our group felt it was important to support the Rhode Island Highlanders with a legacy donation in recognition of the outstanding work they do promoting Scottish heritage. We greatly admire their commitment to preserving our traditions through music, culture, and education.”

Samantha Archer, Pipe Major of the Rhode Island Highlanders added: "We continue to be absolutely astonished by the Tartan Army's generosity and support. In the 78 year history of the Rhode Island Highlanders, we have never experienced anything quite like this. We are so full of gratitude. The impact the Tartan Army's donation will have on our organization's future is immeasurable. Their passion and camaraderie are incredibly inspiring, and we are so honored to be able to share in this once in a lifetime event with them."

The Providence Tartan Army said it hopes the contribution will assist the Rhode Island Highlanders in continuing their educational and cultural programs for years to come.

This is the second major charitable donation that the Providence Tartan Army have provided to the people of Providence, having recently donated $10,000 to the Hasbro Children's Cancer Unit.

Travelling over next month. These bikes look like a great way to get around town. I’ve got a couple of questions.

- am I likely to be able to pick up a bike in Olneyville?
- how much is a day pass?

I downloaded the Spin app but can’t see much information. Maybe the bikes will appear when I’m not 3,000 miles away!

l’m visiting from Scotland next month. Would love to watch the State of Origin rugby league game on June 17th. Is anywhere likely to be open at 6am to show it?