Tartan Army's World Cup traffic cone high jinks are taking over Scotland
Scotland fans' coning of statues during the World Cup has led to a surge in the practice back home, but not everyone has welcomed it.
By BBC News
Scotland fans’ habit of placing traffic cones on statues during the World Cup has sparked a noticeable surge in the same practice back home, though the trend is not universally welcomed. The phenomenon, often described as “coning,” began when Tartan Army supporters travelled to Boston for the tournament and noticed the city’s statues were coneless.
In a move of good-humoured mischief, they placed cones on the heads of prominent figures, including George Washington, and even branded one cone with the word “Boston” before driving it around Glasgow to raise awareness. This playful act quickly went viral, with some videos amassing over a million views, and soon inspired similar behaviour across Scotland.
The trend has now spread beyond Boston to other Scottish cities. Cones have appeared on statues and monuments in Edinburgh, Dumfries, Inverness, and Lerwick, according to local reports.
In Lerwick, the Shetland News noted that the World Cup high jinks prompted cones to pop up on local statues, marking the latest wave of the movement. The practice is seen by many as a form of lighthearted celebration, a way for fans to keep the spirit of the tournament alive even after the final whistle.
Social media posts show Scots proudly documenting their coning efforts, often with captions like “The cone must get to Boston,” reinforcing the link between the original act and its domestic replication. However, not everyone is pleased with the surge.
Local councillors have raised concerns about the safety implications of the trend. One councillor described the act as “in good humour but a safety hazard,” pointing out that placing cones on statues could lead to accidents if they fall or are knocked over.
There are also worries about potential damage to the statues themselves, particularly if the cones are heavy or poorly balanced. While the Tartan Army insists their actions are harmless fun, authorities are urging people to exercise caution and consider the broader consequences of their behaviour.
The coning trend has also drawn attention from American media, with reports noting that Scottish fans introduced Americans to the quirky tradition. In Boston, the sight of cones on statues became a talking point among locals, some of whom were amused by the Scots’ creativity.
The gesture has been interpreted as a symbol of Scottish identity and camaraderie, a way for fans to connect with the host city while maintaining their own cultural flair. The branded “Boston” cone, which was driven around Glasgow, became a focal point of the movement, symbolising the journey from the World Cup to home.
Despite the humour, the trend has not escaped criticism. Some residents in Scotland have expressed frustration over the increasing number of cones on public statues, arguing that the practice is becoming more of a nuisance than a joke.
There are also concerns about the environmental impact, as discarded cones could contribute to litter if not properly managed. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and in some areas, they have begun removing cones to prevent further issues.
The debate highlights the tension between playful celebration and responsible behaviour, a challenge that many communities face when new trends emerge. The coning phenomenon is a reminder of how quickly a simple act can become a cultural movement.
From Boston to Glasgow, and now to Lerwick, the trend has captured the imagination of fans and non-fans alike. While some see it as a harmless expression of joy, others worry about the risks it poses.
As the summer continues, the question remains whether the coning trend will fade or become a lasting part of Scotland’s cultural landscape. For now, it stands as a unique blend of humour, identity, and controversy, a story that continues to unfold across the country.