Scots invented both the modern game of football and the television, yet our national games are not free-to-air to anyone in Scotland.
The recent success of both our men’s and women’s national teams have highlighted why our national game is so important.
And it should be free for everyone in Scotland to enjoy.
Gavin Newlands MP has been running a long campaign on behalf of Scotland supporters priced out by subscription TV at a time when interest in our national teams has rarely been higher – and in the face of Tory opposition when his amendments to the Media Bill guaranteeing free to air coverage were voted down by the UK Government.
Now you can pledge your support if you want there to be a Hampden Roar in every home across Scotland this summer.
Explainer
How Scotland invented the modern game of football
The world’s oldest preserved football was made in Stirling and discovered behind the panelling of the Queen’s Chamber in Stirling Castle, which was decorated in the 1540’s. Mary Queen of Scots was there at this time and later in life was known to have an interest in all sports, but especially golf and football.
Scots invented the passing game that is now at the heart of the beautiful game. It started with young men, from Perthshire and the Highlands mainly, who gathered at Queen’s Park in Glasgow in 1867. They amended existing rules to include dribbling and passing.
Scotland recently celebrated its 150th birthday with a commemorative international friendly against England, whom they played in the world’s first international football match in 1872.