Glasgow councillors approve Boston twinning plan

Glasgow has moved a step closer to twinning with Boston, as the US city was praised for embracing the Tartan Army with “warmth” and “good humour”.

The mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, reached out to Glasgow to build on the “goodwill” fostered while Scotland fans visited the city for World Cup games against Haiti and Morocco.

Councillors in Glasgow agreed to go ahead with a twinning arrangement on Thursday.

Cllr Greg Hepburn, SNP, said: “While the results on the field have left much to be desired, I think I can safely say that all of us have hugely enjoyed seeing videos of the Tartan Army in Boston, playing the pipes, singing songs, partying and being the best ambassadors for our country.

“As we all know, a party is only as good as its hosts.”

He added Bostonians have “embraced Scottish visitors with warmth” and “good humour”. “I think it’s also fair to say ‘No Boston, No Party’ in these circumstances.”

A formal signing ceremony will now be organised.

Councillors also heard the Lord Provost, Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, has written to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to invite the Scotland squad to a reception on their return from the USA.

Mayor Wu signed a formal declaration of intent last week, which sets out Boston’s aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas including economic development, research and innovation, arts and culture and tourism.

Cllr Hepburn, the council’s business manager, said “Often when we’re so far apart, we forget how similar we are. Throughout history, the links between Scotland and Boston from diaspora alone are plain for all to see.”

He added: “Twinning is not just about the past, it’s about the future. The World Cup may be what brought Scots to Boston en masse, but it’s only the start of a new relationship.”

Glasgow is currently twinned with eight cities, including Havana, Marseille, Turin, Lahore and Bethlehem.