One of my favourite TV shows was Cheers.

It was the everyday tale of the lives of the regulars in a bar in Boston, where the genial and charismatic former Red Sox player Sam Malone was mine host.

Played by Ted Danson, he was a recovering alcoholic, and if he’d still been running the bar, he might have slipped into his old ways when the Scots invaded town last week and threatened to drink it dry.

The Tartan Army at the World Cup have captured the hearts of Boston and are proving to be the best ambassadors that Scotland could have on the world stage.

Never mind the arguments about whether some of our politicians plunking off work needed to be there as representatives of Auld Scotia, our kilted foot soldiers have achieved more than they ever could with their brilliant bonhomie and bagpipes.

The television and newspaper reporting has captured scenes of celebration, joy and humour as Scots have invaded the city, and delighted the locals and a worldwide audience, who’ve witnessed their good-natured and fun-filled celebrations.

The supporters are making up for 28 years of absence at World Cup finals with unalloyed delight and in doing so there’s a serious point........

© The Courier