John Swinney to join Tartan Army fans for the Euro 2024 opener

The First Minister attend the official opening ceremony

Scotland flag and the official ball of the Euro 2024 tournament
Author: Anita StrattonPublished 9th Jun 2024
Last updated 9th Jun 2024

John Swinney will join travelling Tartan Army fans to cheer on Scotland in the nation's opening Euro 2024 match against Germany.

The First Minister will travel to Munich on Friday for the first match and is set to attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA fan zone in Olympic Park Stadium in the German city.

Mr Swinney said: "Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts."

The tournament also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.

Mr Swinney said: "I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time."

Sports minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will attend future matches against Switzerland and Hungary respectively.

The ministers will also undertake engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focusing on culture and sport, sport diplomacy and Scottish-German relations.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.