UEFA EURO 2024 PICTURE SPECIAL: Highland Tartan Army troops party among 200,000 Scotland foot soldiers in German city of Cologne ahead of crucial match against Switzerland

Published: 14:11, 19 June 2024

James Atridge unfurls the flag with Koln Cathedral in the background, taken by Lynn Atridge.

They may have been beaten by Germany and battered by rainstorms, but there is no dampening of Tartan Army spirits as Highland foot soldiers reinforce the Scotland hordes in Cologne.

The deluge that has pelted an estimated 200,000 troops has been easing in the city where tonight (Wednesday) Stevie Clarke’s squad will attempt to restore national pride against Switzerland after the 5-1 hammering by the hosts in the opening UEFA EURO 2024 group game.

We asked readers to send us pictures of their parties and partying before, during and after their travels to the North Rhine-Westphalia capital and the response gives an insight into the colour, chaos and camaraderie of the big-match build-up.

Here is a selection of them:

Jack Michael (centre) prepares for the big game

Ross County fan Duncan Chisholm and passenger caper in Cologne.

Jennifer, Colin and Diarmid Campbell from Inverness were in good spirits heading from their base in Karlsruhe to Cologne this morning

Brian Nicol stocked up on emergency supplies for the trip to Cologne.

Liam MacAskill and cohorts were all smiles on the train to Cologne

Caley Thistle fan Jack Michael (right) and pal.

Kenny Morrison (left) mingled with the Swiss supporters last night in Cologne.

Duncan (right) and son Struan Chisholm are in Germany 50 years after their dad and Grandad attended the 1974 World Cup there.

Jen Campbell's pic of fans congregating this morning at Koln Cathedral.

Claire Efes' pic of her group from Inverness and Orkney.

The Campbells on the train to Cologne from Karlsruhe, which was full of Scottish and friendly Swiss fans as it started in Basel.

Clach player Aly Riddle (left) and fans feel the big game excitement building.

Brian and Sam Innes travelled from Munich to Cologne.

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Divert me Football Free Latest News Alasdair Fraser