Scotland Euro 2024 fans to form colossal ‘200,000-strong’ Tartan Army in Germany

An astonishing 200,000 Scots are expected to head to Euro 2024 as Germany prepares for the biggest ever Tartan Army party.

The incredible following amounts to around one in 25 of the Scottish population making their way to the Championships this summer.

Tartan Army podcaster Gordon Sheach said: “We’ve grown up on the folklore of the pilgrimages to Argentina in ’78 and the convoy of camper vans that went to France in ’98.

“But nothing will compare to the Tartan Army’s exploits in Germany this summer. It has the prospect of being the best summer of our lives.”

Mark Dittmer-Odell, British Consul-General in Munich, gave the new estimate of up to 200,000 Scots fans – double the previous forecast of 100,000 given by the SFA.

The colossal exodus is set to be the biggest movement of Scotland fans “in living memory” and would dwarf the numbers that went to France in 1998.

That was the last time we qualified for an international tournament played overseas, with Scotland famously taking on Brazil in the opening match.

Excitement is set to reach fever pitch across the country with just a month to go until our boys kick off the tournament against hosts Germany in Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14.

Scotland’s allocation for each of their three matches is just 10,000 but many will be happy just to be in Germany for the party atmosphere.

Gordon, of the Tartan Scarf podcast, who has managed to snag a gold dust ticket to Scotland’s potentially crucial third match against Hungary, expects a Tartan Army party for the ages.

He added: “Fans are desperate to savour every moment of our Euros adventure.

“That’s the beauty of a tournament in Germany, there are so many ways fans can travel; planes, trains, boats and automobiles.

“Once we get there, Scots will be everywhere. I particularly love the idea of the mass campsites being filled with the sound of the bagpipes.

“The Tartan Army are renowned as one of the loudest, most passionate fanbases in Europe.

“It’s so exciting to see us arrive at a major finals with a squad packed with talent and huge numbers of fans, into a country with such a rich history of football culture. It has the prospect of being the best summer of our lives.”

Gordon told the Record he definitely “can believe” the 200,000 figure – but added it would be “hard to find anything comparable” in the annals of Tartan Army legend.

In group A, the Scots then play Switzerland in Cologne on June 19, followed by a clash with Hungary on June 23 in Stuttgart.

Hopes are high Scotland might finally break its major tournaments hoodoo by qualifying from the group stage for the first time – with stories of Tartan Army fans buying one-way tickets to Germany in the hope they can extend their stay into the knock-out rounds.

Hamish Husband, Tartan Army west of Scotland spokesman, said: “Qualifying for the Euros has created amazing excitement amongst Scotland fans.

“Scotland hasn’t played in a tournament abroad since 1998 so for many thousands of young fans it’s the first opportunity to travel abroad to see our team.

“And for many older fans, it may be the last opportunity they have to see us in a major tournament. 200,000 is quite astounding but not surprising.

“We already know the Germans are delighted with the prospect of a massive exodus of 200,000 Scots fans travelling abroad as they have the reputation of being the best fans in Europe.

“There are countries that won’t send a lot of fans, like Poland – because they can go in and out – but for us, this is a ten-day extravaganza.”

He said Tartan Army chiefs were being kept well aware of security arrangements for fans – particularly around the blockbuster first game featuring Scotland and the hosts Germany in Munich on June 14.

If 200,000 Scots fans make it to Germany, it would be more than three times the 60,000-strong Tartan Army which went to France for the 1998 World Cup.

The estimate is from the British embassy, based on data like hotel and AirBnB bookings and flights.

Dittmer-Odell, British Consul-General in Munich, said: “We are estimating that 500,000 fans will travel from the UK and up to 200,000 could be Scotland fans.

“I think the first thing to say for anyone coming, with a ticket or not, is plan your stay ahead. You might not be able to get yourself accommodation on the fly.

“The second thing we would always say is be aware of cultural sensitivities. We would say that for anyone travelling.

“The final thing, and we are realistic about this, is we know people will want to come here and have a drink – the beer in Bavaria is world famous – but please drink in moderation.”

It comes as Ryanair has in recent days added thousands of new seats for flights heading from the UK to Germany next month – including brand new, temporary Scots routes to cater for colossal Tartan Army demand.

New flights from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to Memmingen in Bavaria – just an hour’s train ride from Munich – will run on June 13 ahead of the tournament opener.

Similarly, temporary flights from both Scots airports to Cologne will operate ahead of the Switzerland clash the following week.

And Edinburgh Airport will host a new route to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport, which is just two hours from Stuttgart via public transport, in advance of the final group stage match against Hungary on June 23.

Ryanair’s Head of Comms, Jade Kirwan said: “It’s going to be an epic summer of football with the return of the Euros this June.

“To celebrate and make sure all footy fans can enjoy the Championship in-person, Ryanair has added over 11,000 extra seats between Germany and the UK throughout June.

“This includes extra capacity on existing routes as well as the addition of several special one-off flights, including Edinburgh to Memmingen, Bristol to Frankfurt and Glasgow to Cologne ensuring that all fans can cheer on their team from a stadium seat and soak in the match-day atmosphere.

“Ryanair Euros 2024 extra flights are expected to sell out quickly.”

Sports Minister Maree Todd said: “We anticipate that a significant number of the Tartan Army will choose to travel to Germany for Euro 2024, and would encourage all supporters to consult the latest UK Government-issued travel advice ahead of their departure.

“The safety of Scotland fans is a priority for Police Scotland and the Scottish Football Association.

“Police Scotland have been liaising closely with German police and other international partners over security measures being put in place for the tournament.”

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