BOSTON, June 12 : Scotland's raucous Tartan Army of supporters massed in downtown Boston on Friday, with fans saying they had no qualms about the thousands of dollars they are spending to see their team return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence."I've spent the kids' inheritance," joked Willie Dowie, 61,

Between 6,000 and 7,000 Scottish soccer fans are expected to descend on Providence, Rhode Island for the World Cup.

The bulk of the Tartan Army headed off to America yesterday as the World Cup finally got under way.