The Tartan Army has taken over Boston, stealing the hearts of many. From bagpipes and mass good vibes, to bars running out of beer and plenty of singing and dancing, the Scottish World Cup fans are making the most of the historic event of Scotland qualifying for the prestigious football event for the first time in 28 years.
What is more, the Tartan Army has given Boston the Glasgow treatment by placing cones on top of statues’ heads, and it’s absolutely hilarious. One of the most iconic Glasgow landmarks, the Duke of Wellington Statue, is most known for its cone, showcasing the humour and lightheartedness of the people of Glasgow.
The story behind the Duke of Wellington statue’s cone
You don’t have to look far to see what the Duke of Wellington’s cone really stands for: it’s the ultimate symbol of local wit. What started decades ago in the 1980s as a cheeky, harmless act of rebellion against authority has transformed into a bright orange icon for the friendliest city in the UK. We simply refuse to take ourselves too seriously, always choosing to look on the bright side. Over the years, the Council spent thousands of pounds trying to remove the cone with no luck, as someone would inevitably replace it every time.
And honestly? The cone has come to mean far more to us than the actual statue ever will.
What is more, in 2011, the cone was named as “one of the most bizarre monuments on Earth” by Lonely Planet. In 2013, the council officially gave up their plans to remove the cone, so who did it this time is a mystery.
Cones on the statues of Boston
Boston has now been familiarised with the Glaswegian sense of humour, with plenty of positive reactions. As Scotland is due to play Morocco on Friday, June 19 and then Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, the city is in for plenty more Scottish patter. We don’t know when our wee country will qualify for the World Cup again, so we are making the most of it, eh!
Regarding the cones, one Scot commented: “That’s it. Boston is officially twinned with Glasgow forever. May the cone hat never be removed from this day forward,” while a second joked: “We came we saw we cone’quered”.
Another person said: “Glasgow and Boston now have a special cone-ection,” while a fourth said: “The highest of honours, America. Just roll with it,” and a fifth scribed: “I’m howling. This is hilarious. We leave our mark everywhere”.
