Scotland fans are renowned for being among the loudest and most passionate in the world, with the Hampden Roar once even triggering earthquake-level seismic activity.
Despite their passion and spirit, only a handful of Scottish football fans will be able to watch Scotland end a 28-year wait to return to the global stage in person.
Bringing together those fans who can’t make it to the live games this summer, Heineken UK has partnered with award-winning Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie to transform the passion of the stands into a one-of-a-kind ‘soundwave kilt’. Captured by portrait and documentary photographer Sam Gregg, the kilt blends heritage, fashion and football fandom in a modern tribute to Scottish supporters around the world.
A year on from Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney opening HEINEKEN UK’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Heineken® has captured the rhythm, volume and energy of one of the nation’s most iconic football chants, ‘We’ll Be Coming’, sung by the passionate Tartan Army.
For a chance to win a ‘Fabric of the Nation’ kilt of their own, football fans can head to Instagram to comment who they’re sharing a matchday beer with on the #FabricOfTheNation post on Instagram @Heineken_UK. The winner will then submit their own football chant to be created into a bespoke soundwave design for a one-of-one kilt created by Heineken® and Siobhan Mackenzie.
Stephen Rooney, Director at HEINEKEN UK , said: “This summer is a moment of celebration for Scotland fans all over the world. The now infamous Hampden Roar shows the passion and pride of Scottish football fans and we wanted to create a moment that recognised that spirit.
“Alongside our UK headquarters, based in Edinburgh and housing the majority of our 500 Scotland-based employees, we have a network of 225 Star Pubs throughout Scotland and are proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting this proud nation.
“Creating this bespoke kilt, in partnership with the Tartan Army and Siobhan Mackenzie, is a tribute to the chants, passion and loyalty of Scottish fans. Whether supporters are in the stadium, at the pub or cheering from home, we wanted to make sure the voices of the supporters are always part of the occasion.”
Siobhan Mackenzie, co-designer of the ‘Fabric of the Nation’ kilt, commented: “Scotland’s textile heritage and football fandom are both rooted in passion, pride and community, so bringing those worlds together for this project felt incredibly special. Working with Heineken to transform the roar of the Tartan Army into a one-of-a-kind piece has been a unique opportunity to celebrate the people who make football what it is.”
Martin Riddell, Chair of the Edinburgh Tartan Army, said: “To see the volume and passion behind our voices transformed into something tangible is a fantastic tribute to the fans who travel far and wide to support the team. This project captures the energy we bring to the stands and celebrates the unique bond that unites Scotland supporters across generations and across the world.”
