Boston Statues Sport New Headwear Courtesy of Scottish Fans
As thousands of Scottish football fans, often referred to as the Tartan Army, descended upon Boston for the World Cup, a distinctive cultural tradition from Glasgow has made its way across the Atlantic. Statues throughout the historic American city have been seen sporting bright orange traffic cones, much to the amusement and occasional bewilderment of local residents.
The Glasgow Inspiration: Duke of Wellington's Enduring Cone
This playful act draws inspiration from a well-known landmark in Glasgow: the Duke of Wellington statue situated outside the Gallery of Modern Art. Since the 1980s, this equestrian statue has frequently been adorned with a traffic cone, a mischievous visual that has become deeply ingrained in Glasgow's identity. This tradition has even been recognized by prominent figures such as graffiti artist Banksy, who declared it his "favourite work of art in the UK" and chose Glasgow for his first exhibition in 14 years partly due to this iconic image.
An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Scottish fans traveled to Boston for Scotland's opening match against Haiti, which they won 1-0. The conical decorations are seen by many as a lighthearted expression of high spirits and national pride ahead of their second match against Morocco.
Notable Boston Statues Receiving the Cone Treatment
- The Arms of Friendship Statue: Located at Charlestown Navy Yard, this 36-foot bronze octopus sculpture, designed by Gillie and Marc Schattner, was among the first to receive a traffic cone.
- Kevin White Statue: The statue of Boston's beloved former mayor, Kevin White, in Faneuil Hall Square, also found itself with a new, temporary orange hat.
- Bill Russell Statue: The memorial to legendary Boston Celtics basketball player Bill Russell at City Hall Plaza was similarly decorated. Brendan McGillicuddy, a 26-year-old Bostonian, expressed his admiration for the addition, calling it a "nice little symbol of Scotland" and a "mark to say Scotland was here."
While Boston authorities have reportedly begun removing the cones, the spirit of the tradition continues among fans, with some even wearing traffic cone hats themselves. Alistair Blake from Glasgow, who wears a cone hat for fun and practicality, noted, "It's a friendly Glaswegian gesture. I think you see it more here because there's so many statues."
The Origins of a Quirky Tradition
The tradition of placing a cone on the Duke of Wellington statue is believed to have originated with late-night revelers in the 1980s. Despite past efforts by the Glasgow City Council to discourage the practice, citing minor damage to the statue and safety concerns, the cone has consistently reappeared within days of its removal. The act, once deemed vandalism, has now become a celebrated part of Glasgow's character, with images of the cone-topped duke used in tourist promotions and merchandise.
News of the Boston cone phenomenon has resonated back in Glasgow. Locals and tourists alike view the tradition as a demonstration of Glasgow's unique sense of humor and a symbol that brings people together. Susan Law, originally from Paisley, remarked that the Boston statues looked "brilliant" and that the act was "fun and shows people are friendly."
Source: Why are Scotland fans putting traffic cones on statues in Boston?