A Scottish father, Iain Meiklejohn, made headlines for taking his son, Aleks, out of school to watch the Euros in Germany. The duo has been following the Scottish football team throughout the tournament, traveling to cities like Munich and Cologne. Mr. Meiklejohn expressed his confidence in Scotland’s chances against Hungary, predicting a 1-0 victory.
The viral post about Aleks’ absence from school for the Euros garnered over 6.3 million views and 25,000 likes. Mr. Meiklejohn explained that the trip was an educational experience to study the emotional highs and lows of being a Scotland fan. He plans for Aleks to write a detailed report upon their return. The duo will be proudly sporting Scotland tops and kilts at the match against Hungary, with their Scottish flag displaying the initials “TTTA” for “Two Teekos Tartan Army.”
Mr. Meiklejohn shared the story behind the initials, revealing a family tradition that spans three generations. He emphasized the value of travel in broadening his son’s perspective, exposing him to different cultures, traditions, and languages. The father and son duo have enjoyed their time in Germany, soaking in the match day atmosphere and the camaraderie between Scotland fans and locals.
Aleks, who has been playing football since a young age, is a member of Ratho United’s under-13s team. This isn’t his first international football tournament, as he has attended matches in Brazil and Russia. Mr. Meiklejohn, a lifelong football fan, has accompanied his son on these trips and plans to return home after June 24. However, if Scotland advances, they will be back in Germany for the next round.
While their absence from school was unauthorised, the City of Edinburgh Council will address it according to their policy. The Meiklejohns’ unique educational journey through the Euros showcases the bond between father and son, their love for football, and the enriching experiences that travel can offer.