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Why are Scotland fans putting traffic cones on statues in Boston?
TL;DR
Scotland fans in Boston for the World Cup are placing traffic cones on local statues, reminiscent of a similar tradition in Glasgow. This playful act has surprised locals and reflects a quirky cultural connection.
Key points
- Scotland fans are in Boston for the World Cup
- Fans are placing traffic cones on statues
- This practice is common in Glasgow
- The Duke of Wellington statue is a notable example
- The act reflects a quirky cultural identity
Described as the "birthplace of the American Revolution", Boston's streets are teeming with monuments and landmarks that tell the story of the nation's history.
And they're now experiencing something of a makeover.
Scotland fans visiting the city for the World Cup have been decorating its statues with bright orange traffic cones, much to the bemusement of locals.
The practice is familiar to anyone from Glasgow, where the Duke of Wellington statue at the Gallery of Modern Art has been wearing a cone at a jaunty angle since the 1980s.
It's a mischievous visual ingrained in Glasgow's identity - and was even a source of inspiration for the graffiti artist Banksy.
An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Scotland fans travelled to Boston for Scotland's opening match against Haiti last week - which ended in a 1-0 victory.
Anticipation for their second match against Morocco on Friday is building and the conical pranks are perhaps an indication of high spirits.
The Arms of Friendship statue at Charlestown Navy Yard received the traffic cone treatment earlier this week.
Designed by Gillie and Marc Schattner, the artwork features a 36ft (11m) long bronze octopus holding up a number of the world's endangered animals including an elephant and a gorilla.
A couple of miles to the east on Faneuil Hall Square is a statue of the beloved former mayor of Boston, Kevin White.
The Democrat served four terms, from 1968 to 1984, at a tumultuous time of racial conflict in the city.
According to the Boston Globe, White governed in a "grand manner" and there was debate about whether the 10ft statue was tall enough when it was installed in the mid 2000s.
Perhaps the Tartan Army thought he deserved an extra foot or two.
A similar treatment was given to the statue of Boston Celtics basketball legend Bill Russell at City Hall Plaza.
Brendan McGillicuddy, 26, from Boston, told the BBC he admired the statue's new addition on his way to work.
"I welcome it," he said. "I have no idea what it means but it's a nice little symbol of Scotland.
"It's a mark to say Scotland was here. I never realised it was a thing before the World Cup. I'd heard of the Tartan Army but not the cone thing. I'm here for it though."
By Wednesday afternoon, Boston authorities had started to remove the traffic cones from statues - but fans are still keeping the momentum going in their own way.
Alistair Blake, from Glasgow, and his two sons both gave an interview while wearing their own traffic cone hats.
He started wearing them at the Euros because it was a bit of fun - and handy for the boys to spot him in the crowd.
Q&A
Why are Scotland fans putting traffic cones on statues in Boston?
Scotland fans are decorating Boston's statues with traffic cones as a playful homage to a tradition from Glasgow.
What is the significance of traffic cones on statues in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, the Duke of Wellington statue has been adorned with a traffic cone since the 1980s, symbolizing a mischievous aspect of the city's culture.
How have locals in Boston reacted to the traffic cone decorations?
Locals in Boston have expressed bemusement at the sight of traffic cones on their statues, highlighting the cultural differences.
What inspired the traffic cone tradition in Glasgow?
The traffic cone tradition in Glasgow has become a cultural icon, even inspiring the graffiti artist Banksy.
