Tartan Army feels the heat in Boston as World Cup kicks off

The Tartan Army is feeling the heat in Boston as plane-loads of fans continue to arrive in the city as the World Cup gets under way.

Visitors are facing 31C temperatures, with the soaring heat expected to continue into Saturday when Scotland's men face Haiti in their opening match.

Around 30,000 fans are expected in Boston for the fixture, and city streets and bars are gradually filling up with kilts and Scotland tops.

The tournament kicked off on Thursday night with the opening ceremony and first game between Mexico and and South Africa.

Mexico, one of the three host nations, won the match 2-0.

The atmosphere has been building at the Haven Bar - Boston's only Scottish pub - with a piper playing the US national anthem and extra Scottish beer shipped in.

At one table are brothers Paul Flynn and Gary Collins, who have come together for the tournament.

Originally from Glasgow, they now live thousands of miles apart in Australia and York.

"There's a real air of anticipation, everyone is in a good jovial mood," said Gary.

"It feels like we're on the cusp of something special. The Tartan Army has got a reputation and Boston is welcoming us well so far.

"We've had people pulling over in the car just to say good luck."

"Big" Jay Howard and his brother Ed Murray are in charge of security at The Haven. They have been given a crash course in Scottish culture.

Jay told BBC Scotland News: "It blew my mind, I came in yesterday and then these guys were wearing these kilts and they just started singing for no reason.

"I love the energy."

An American football fan, Jay said the crowd was very different to what he is used to.

He added: "This is a whole new world for me. Bostonians are excited, the bars are booming and it's bringing a real buzz to the city."

There have been some concerns about where Scotland fans will go in the city, with larger groups expected to arrive on Friday and Saturday.

Boston's main fan zone is oversubscribed and a huge number of travelling fans do not have match tickets.

The Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, said her office was working on opening a "consumption area" for supporters.

It is not clear whether it will be ready in time for Scotland's opening fixture with Haiti at 21:00 local time on Saturday.

Many fans are just happy to be in Boston and soak up the atmosphere.

Jim Brown from Edinburgh said: "It's almost as good as at home. The beer has actually got a head on it here.

"A lot of US cities don't have that feeling. I don't think Boston truly knows what is about to hit it."