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Scottish First Minister's Taylor Swift gesture branded 'humiliating'

05 June 2024 , 21:45
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Scotland overcome with Taylor Swift mania ahead of sold-out first UK Eras gigs (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Scotland overcome with Taylor Swift mania ahead of sold-out first UK Eras gigs (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Taylor Swift is playing her first UK Eras tour gigs in Edinburgh this weekend, with Scotland even renaming a popular beauty spot in honour of the singer.

The superstar's sold out run of shows begin on Friday night at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, followed by more concerts at the venue on Saturday and Sunday night. And the country has fully embraced Taylor mania, with a renaming ceremony held at Loch Tay in North Perthshire in preparation for her arrival.

Heart Scotland temporarily changed its name to Loch Tay Tay, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney encouraging her to visit the area when she descends on the country. The SNP leader said he was "thrilled" to welcome Taylor and her many fans to the area.

He said: "The first thing I want to say to Taylor and to all of her Swifties is they’re really really welcome here in Scotland. I’m so thrilled and the fact that Loch Tay is being renamed Loch Tay Tay is just fabulous. I speak as someone who represents Loch Tay, who loves Loch Tay, who’s got the privilege of representing the area, to say an extra special welcome to Taylor, to Scotland.

"I really hope she has the chance to go and see Loch Tay – or should I say Loch Tay Tay – which is the most beautiful part of Scotland. She’ll get a really warm welcome here and I know all of the Swifties will be so exhilarated by her presence in Scotland."

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But social media users branded the video "embarrassing". One person wrote on Twitter, formerly known as X: "I vote SNP but this is up there with the time Nicola banned music." Another chimed in: "This is genuinely one of the most humiliating moments in Scottish history," while a third added: "This message is more important than intervening in the 19-month pay dispute within Further Education which has led to 12 days and counting off strike action?"

Scottish First Minister's Taylor Swift gesture branded 'humiliating'Scotland have renamed Loch Tay in honour of Taylor's arrival (Sandy Young/PinPep)

Swifties from all over the world are currently making their way to the UK to catch the pop songstress in action, with superfan flying all the way in from Australia. Nurse Ellie Peach has been on the lookout for tickets to the sold-out concerts for months, until she was offered a way in by someone online.

She thankfully believes that they "don't seem like a murderer", and is ready to take the gamble - and endure the 24-hour flight - to join them at the gig and find out. As reported by Edinburgh Live, Ellie said: "I think I'm gonna go, I'm serious. I have to see that live, and I'm working full time. If it puts me in financial ruin, so be it. This is one of the crazier things I've ever done. I can't tell my family because they'll think I'm irresponsible with money. Maybe I am, but I will have gone to the Eras Tour. And, I've never been to Edinburgh so I'll tick that off my list as well."

Taylor is in the UK from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 23.

Amelia Ward

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