Glasgow sends traffic cone to Massachusetts as playful gesture of friendship
The cone journey aims to raise funds for mental health support
A traffic cone, symbolising friendship between Glasgow and Massachusetts, has embarked on a transatlantic journey, flying first-class across the ocean.
This quirky gesture stems from the World Cup visit by Scotland fans, known as the Tartan Army, who decorated Boston's statues with orange traffic cones, echoing the Glasgow tradition of 'coning' the Duke of Wellington statue.
Boston responded with good humour, as even Mayor Michelle Wu participated by placing a cone on a statue of basketball legend Bill Russell.
The cone, adorned with messages from Scotland, is now making its way to Massachusetts, where it will travel around the state to help raise money for mental health charities.
Featuring illustrations such as the Red Sox logo and bagpipes, the cone bears the phrase “No Boston, No Party,” celebrating the connection between the two cities.
Andrew Dobbie, a Glasgow creative who missed attending the World Cup, found joy in watching the Tartan Army's Boston antics and conceived the idea.
Accompanying the cone on a Delta Airlines flight, Dobbie hopes this travelling cone will become a symbol of joy and connection between Glasgow and Massachusetts.
He said: “What happened between Scotland fans and the people of Boston was completely organic, completely joyful and exactly the kind of story the world needs more of right now.
“Every time I saw videos of the Tartan Army in Boston, it lifted my spirits. It was impossible not to smile.
“So much of what we see online can feel heavy, but this was different. It was warm, funny, daft and kind – the cone has become a symbol of that feeling of joy, connection and love.
“We can either look back on this summer as a happy memory, or use it as a catalyst to build something lasting between Glasgow and Boston through culture, tourism, trade and creativity – we want this to be more than a summer fling.”
The cone will have a contactless chip installed, enabling people to donate money to Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH).
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey said: “What began with a traffic cone has grown into a genuine friendship between Massachusetts and Scotland, built on shared history, creativity, and a sense of humour.
“We’re excited to welcome this Glasgow icon to Massachusetts and celebrate a connection that goes far beyond the World Cup.
“From culture and tourism to business and innovation, we’re looking forward to building even stronger ties across the Atlantic.”
Boston mayor Michelle Wu said: “The memories from this World Cup in Boston will be passed down for generations.
“We’ll remember how ‘No Scotland, No Party’ echoed throughout our city for weeks, how fans connected across all different cultures through shared pride and beloved traditions, and how the Tartan Army and Bostonians became one big family.
“This partnership is one for posterity, and Boston is honoured to receive this hallowed cone as a symbol of the bond we’ve built with the Tartan Army, the city of Glasgow, and the people of Scotland.”