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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
James Walker

'You are always welcome back': Mayor of Cologne heaps praise on Tartan Army

THE MAYOR of Cologne has praised the Tartan Army, describing their stay in the German city as a “wonderful couple of days”.

Henriette Reker added on Twitter/X (below), alongside a video of a procession of pipers: “I could not be a happier mayor. You are always welcome to come back to Cologne!”

Scotland fans flocked to the city ahead Wednesday night’s Euro 2024 match against Switzerland.

It comes after FC Cologne also told the Tartan Army that they're "always welcome" in the city as a video of two Scotland fans went viral.

The club shared a video to social media which showed the two supporters walking beside an elderly person using a walker, with one holding an umbrella over them.

The club added: "Scotland fans, we knew we’d love having you here for the Euros.

"You’re always welcome🤝"

Scotland has a special place in FC Cologne's heart, with their anthem being a rendition of The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond in German.

According to BBC Scotland football commentator Derek Rae, Runrig was popular in West Germany through the 1980s, with their rendition of the anthem leaving an impression.

In the 1990s, a local band called De Hohner wrote lyrics for the tune to celebrate the football club.

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