Brothers make first trip abroad together for Scotland's World Cup in honour of late football fanatic mother

Their journey to Boston for Scotland’s opening matches against Haiti and Morocco marks the first time the pair have travelled abroad together as adults. More importantly, it is a tribute to their late mother, Sheila, who loved spending time with family and watching football.

Mrs Scully died last Christmas at the age of 92 after a battle with dementia. Michael, 67, had returned to Scotland from Australia four years earlier to help care for her, joining Tony, 62, and their two sisters in providing round-the-clock support.

"This trip is really being done in memory of her," said Tony, welling up.

READ MORE: Tartan Army fills the streets of Boston as Scotland arrives for World Cup

Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Mrs Scally became a committed Celtic supporter after meeting her future husband, James, in Glasgow in 1957 where he was working in the steelworks. She remained a devoted fan for the rest of her life.

With FIFA hiking prices, making the historic game for Scotland an impossible journey for many fans, Tony, from Glasgow, and Michael, who lives in Kincardine, Fife, said travelling for the World Cup was not a straightforward decision.

“But we said ‘we are just going to do it’,” said Tony.

"It’s going to be remembered forever, and we’re carrying mum with us on it.”

To make both the Haiti and Morocco games, the brothers have managed to keep travel and ticket costs to about £3,500, one of the more modest sums among the Tartan Army fans, with many paying at least triple that to be able to see their team play in the US.

The pair are still weighing up whether or not to extend their trip to see Scotland’s match against Brazil in Miami on June 24.

READ MORE: I watched the Scotland game in a Boston bar - here is what happened

Whatever they decide, the trip has already exceeded expectations for the pair.

Boston, they said, has embraced the Scottish supporters.

“We’ve met great fans from the different countries and the locals have been great as well,” said Tony.

“It’s just been a fantastic time and something that will be memorable for all of us here."

Michael admitted he had been unsure how authorities would respond to the famously boisterous Tartan Army. Instead, he found a warm welcome.

“I think the people in Boston have been absolutely fantastic. I was a bit worried about how the police would treat us because of the way we party and that they would restrict us but we’ve been playing football in the street and they’ve been so nice to us.

“I think the Boston people have really welcomed us here and really enjoyed having us here to be honest.”

The Tartan Army has been widely praised from residents and businesses across Boston for their good nature and high energy during Scotland’s World Cup festivities across the pond.

First Minister John Swinney has praised the Scotland fans for being an “absolute credit” to the country and “capturing the imagination” of Americans while supporting Scotland at the World Cup.