The new Scottish football season is getting under way with memories of Euro 2024 – and the conduct of the Tartan Army – still fresh in the mind.
Earlier this month, Business Editor Ian McConnell reported that it was hoped the positive headlines generated by the fans could translate into a boost for Scottish tourism.
Today, one of our readers warns prospective travellers of what they can expect.
Keith Swinley of Ayr writes: "Ian McConnell’s recent article reported that the conduct of the Tartan Army at the recent Euros in Germany 'has translated into huge opportunities to promote Scotland as a top tourist destination'.
"Whilst delighted to welcome visitors to these shores I feel it is only fair to give them some pre-travel advice on what they should expect on their visit to Scotland.
"First, entry to Scotland either by plane or train will be a time-consuming process as their European passports no longer allow automatic entry. Passports will have to be inspected and border control is woefully undermanned, so they will have to be patient.
"Arriving by train or trying to travel by train when here adds further stress as there is no guarantee that the trains will be running. Visitors will also notice a difference in the ride quality when they emerge from the Channel Tunnel.
"Having arrived in Glasgow or Edinburgh they will find many pubs and restaurants closed on a Monday and Tuesday.
"A decision to go shopping on the famous thoroughfares will not live up to expectations as a vast number of the well-known shops and arcades have now closed down being no longer financially viable. Many shop doorways will be filled with homeless street sleepers.
"Similarly, a decision to explore attractions on foot needs caution as rats infest the litter-strewn streets. This may be the visitors' first glimpse of Scottish wildlife…rewilding or what?
"If the next stage is to get to and explore the Scottish Highlands by car do not expect to get there by free-flowing autobahn. The two main roads north are essentially two-lane highways and treacherous.
"Leaving the main roads visitors will have to take care as minor roads are riddled with potholes or frequently closed due to subsidence.
"Having got to the scenic bits visitors will want to stop at picnic areas or viewing points. They should tread carefully as we Scots don’t really go in for clearing up our litter and mess so the unwary visitor may encounter all nature of items and toxic substances as they take in the scenery.
"If an unfortunate visitor is robbed and goes looking for a police officer they are unlikely to find one walking the streets and even if successful the police officer will not be able to assist without video or other evidence.
"Scotland to a large extent is a beautiful country with spectacular scenery and architecture and a great cultural history which has fallen in to decline as a result of government negligence and mismanagement and so at the end of their trip visitors may wonder how the Tartan Army can be so cheerful and generally biddable when abroad.
"Maybe they are just enjoying a two-week break from the deprivations of their normal life at home?"
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