The 'Boston cone', an orange traffic cone that became a symbol of Scottish football fans' World Cup celebrations, arrived at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday to a reception befitting a dignitary. Greeted by a bagpiper, diplomats, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the cone traveled first-class from Glasgow.
Governor Healey Welcomes the Cone
Governor Healey signed the cone during the ceremony, remarking, 'This is probably my first official welcoming ceremony for a traffic cone. But it's a pretty special one, because this cone tells the story of what happened this summer.' She added with a laugh, 'Special thanks to the Scots for drinking all the beer. I do promise you, when you return … we will never again run out of beer in Massachusetts.'
Scottish Fans' Impact on Boston
During the World Cup, Scottish fans transformed parts of Boston into an unofficial Scottish outpost, placing orange cones atop statues such as Samuel Adams outside Faneuil Hall, Red Auerbach outside TD Garden, and the Make Way for Ducklings statues. Bars struggled to keep up with demand, with some running out of beer and requiring emergency deliveries.
Commemorative Cone Tour
The commemorative cone, decorated with illustrations celebrating Boston and Scotland and the slogan 'No Boston, No Party', will tour Massachusetts landmarks for a week to raise money for mental health charities before returning to Scotland.
Tradition of the Cone
The tradition of placing cones on statues began in Glasgow in the 1980s as a prank and evolved into an iconic symbol. The Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow, often cone-topped, has become a beloved landmark despite removal efforts.
Meaning Behind the Cone
Danny Campbell, one of the cone's Scottish escorts, said, 'It's an in-joke that's gone too far. But no, it isn't a joke. This is a metaphor for life.' He explained that the cone represents the joy and relationships built by Scottish fans, concluding, 'This is not just a silly cone. It means love.'
