Mass. Governor Welcomes 'Boston Cone' From Scotland

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey presided over a unique welcoming ceremony at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday for an orange traffic cone, affectionately dubbed the "Boston Cone." The cone arrived on a "first-class flight from Glasgow" and was greeted by a bagpiper, diplomats, and city officials, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. This event marks a culmination of the city's unexpected connection with Scotland's Tartan Army during the recent World Cup.

The humble orange traffic cone became an iconic symbol of the Tartan Army's presence during the World Cup, as fans famously placed cones atop statues throughout Boston. Governor Healey acknowledged the cone's significance, stating it "tells the story of what happened this summer. What happened in Boston, what happened in Massachusetts." She humorously thanked the Scottish fans for their enthusiasm, noting that "special thanks to the Scots for drinking all the beer," referencing reports of bars in Boston running out of beer due to the influx of fans.

During the World Cup visit, Scottish fans transformed parts of Boston into a vibrant outpost, filling the city with bagpipes and songs. The distinctive orange cones appeared on prominent landmarks, including statues of Samuel Adams, Red Auerbach, and even the "Make Way for Ducklings" statues in the Public Garden. Mayor Wu recalled Boston having "unofficially become New Scotland" due to the fans' spirited presence and the widespread use of traffic cones.

The official commemorative cone is decorated with illustrations that celebrate both Boston and Scotland, symbolizing the memorable cultural exchange that occurred during the tournament. The ceremony underscored the lighthearted and memorable impact the Scottish supporters had on the city.