It’s official – The Tartan Army has stolen the hearts of Bostonians throughout, from giving the city the Glasgow treatment by placing cones on statues’ heads and bringing the bagpipes out at 6:30am, to breaking the record for the loudest singing of Scotland’s national anthem. The Scottish humour and friendly nature has been recognised not only by the locals, but also by city officials, including the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu.
Mayor Michelle Wu has proposed an international partnership with Glasgow, officially becoming twin cities due to the “shared values and the collaboration during the 2026 FIFA World Cup”.
Boston would become Glasgow’s tenth twin city, and the ninth active twin city, as the partnership with Rostov-On-Don in Russia has currently been suspended.
The first-ever twin city of Glasgow is Nuremberg in Germany, which has been a consistent partner since 1985.
The new partnership between Boston and Glasgow is set to focus on innovation, education, sustainability, tourism, workforce training, research, economic development, public health, and major international events.
Glasgow City Council has warmly welcomed becoming twin cities with Boston
Speaking of the new international partnership between Glasgow and Boston becoming twin cities, Mayor Michelle Wu said: “The Scottish community has helped shape Boston for centuries, and today we’re proud to build on those longstanding ties by establishing a sister-city partnership with Glasgow.”
“Our cities share rich histories, world-class educational institutions, vibrant cultural communities, and a commitment to innovation and opportunity. We look forward to strengthening the connections between our residents, businesses, and institutions as we build a partnership rooted in shared values and collaboration.”
Lord Provost of Glasgow Dr Cllr Jacqueline MacLaren said: “I warmly welcome Mayor Wu’s declaration and the opportunity to strengthen the already close ties between Boston and Glasgow. “Given the strong historical, cultural, educational, and economic links between our two cities, we believe there is tremendous potential to cement a shared ambition to build an even stronger partnership for the future.
“In recent weeks, Boston has experienced a very Glaswegian welcome of its own. The Tartan Army and Scotland supporters have left a lasting impression on Bostonians during the FIFA World Cup, not just through their passion for the game, but through their warmth, friendliness, and unmistakable sense of humour. They have been true ambassadors for Scotland, and for Glasgow, showing the very best of who we are as a nation.”
“There is also a strong alignment in how our cities are tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. Glasgow and Boston are already working side by side to build more sustainable, resilient and inclusive futures for our communities. From climate action and our shared commitment to achieving net zero, to collaboration through networks such as the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and the Global Resilient Cities Network.”
“That spirit of openness, shared purpose and international collaboration is at the heart of what we hope to grow between our cities, across academia, business and civic life, that benefit our communities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, commented: “This is a fantastic gesture from our friends in Boston, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to build solid and lasting links between our two great cities. Boston and Glasgow have been central to the stories of our nations, we’re two global centres of learning, knowledge and culture, and we’ve both worldwide reputations as sports-mad cities with real personality.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Michelle Wu, and I know that many of her priorities for her city closely align with those we have for Glasgow. We’re already looking forward to building on these common goals and forging a partnership of real substance. And, of course, as the leader of a city known for the warmth of its welcome, I’m delighted to see how well Bostonians have received the Tartan Army, who are again showing themselves to be tremendous ambassadors for Glasgow and for Scotland.”
UK Consul General David Clay continued: “As Scotland supporters have filled Boston this week, it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which Bostonians have welcomed the Tartan Army and Scottish visitors have embraced this great city. Those people-to-people connections are at the heart of the strong relationship between Scotland and Massachusetts.”
“Glasgow and Boston share a spirit of openness, creativity, and international engagement, and this agreement provides an exciting platform to deepen cooperation across trade, innovation, culture, and civic leadership in the years ahead.”
What is more, Scottish First Minister John Swinney has warmly welcomed Glasgow’s newest twin city: “This partnership reflects shared commitments to sustainable and inclusive growth. As global cities, both Glasgow and Boston bring significant strengths across academia, business and civil society, creating strong foundations for closer collaboration.”
“I am particularly pleased to see that cultural and people-to-people links are at the heart of this partnership. The warmth, friendship and good humour shown by the Tartan Army in Boston recently have been a powerful example of how our people act as great ambassadors for Scotland on the world stage.”
