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Boston says 'thank you' to Scotland by helping animal charity

A member of the Tartan Army singing with his arms stretched, wearing a kilt and colab shirt between the Boston Red Sox and Scotland. In the background are the US and Scotland flags plus the World Cup. There's also the Scottish SPCA logo to the right hand side and a pinned note that says: Thank you. Getty Images

People in and around Boston in the United States have donated money to the Scottish SPCA after football fans visited their city during this summer's World Cup.

The Scottish SPCA is a charity that helps animals in Scotland. It rescues creatures that are hurt, neglected or treated cruelly. It also looks after wild animals that are injured or too young to survive on their own.

In June, thousands of Scotland supporters, also known as the Tartan Army, travelled to Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, to watch the national team play at the World Cup.

The fans were praised for the lively and friendly atmosphere they created - with singing and bagpipe playing - leaving a lasting impression on many local people.

Now, people from Cumberland, Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Littleton have sent donations to the Scottish SPCA. The donations came with the message: "Thank you from Boston!"

A spokesperson for the charity said: "The warmth and hospitality shown to Scotland's supporters in Boston was such a highlight of the tournament and so, it's incredibly moving to see that kindness extended in such a thoughtful way.

"A massive thank you to our generous donors in Boston.

"Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide specialist rescue, treatment and rehabilitation for animals that desperately need our care.

"The friendships and memories created during this World Cup will last long after the final whistle.

"Thanks to the love shown by the people in Boston, that legacy is now helping to give Scotland's animals the second chance they deserve."

So far this year, the Scottish SPCA has cared for 1,573 wild animals. These include birds of prey, otters, hedgehogs and seals.

The Scottish SPCA says it is Scotland's only national animal welfare charity and does not receive government funding, so donations are important for its work.