This article appears as part of the Unspun: Scottish Politics newsletter.

Scotland may be out of the World Cup but the behaviour of the Scottish fans has put the country on the international map, which can only help raise the country's profile and attract inward investment.

I'm a Scottish-American, who lives in Washington DC, and I was in Boston for the World Cup. I slipped on my kilt in the Scottish Pride tartan, then my Scotland fitba’ tap, and finished with my Tam o’ Shanter. I then placed my People Make Glasgow shirt in my sporran, ready to don it as I met new friends and shared my enthusiasm for Glasgow.

Just before I opened the door to leave, I paused, feeling a deep sense of belonging. I knew I was about to step once more into a sea of like-minded and like-hearted supporters. That sense of belonging carries us forward with confidence, enriched by the knowledge that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

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The World Cup brings an energy unlike any other sporting event. Fans from around the world arrive carrying a hope for football success,........

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