They made a good go of it in Trafalgar Square for their trip to London, but after playing one game at Wembley and two at Hampden Park at the delayed Euro 2020, Germany marks Scotland ’s first ‘proper’ tournament trip since the France 98 World Cup.
Then, as now, the Scots start with a showpiece game, with Brazil in Paris 26 years ago swapped out for Germany in Munich on June 14. Now, as then in their 2-1 defeat to the eventual finalists, you can expect Scotland to be competitive.
This is by no means a ‘golden generation’ of Scottish players because they’ve have far too many star names in the past - we’ve all seen Archie Gemmill’s goal in Trainspotting - but Steve Clarke has amassed a decent collection of high performing Premier League stars in the likes of Liverpool ’s Andy Robertson, Aston Villa’s John McGinn, Bournemouth's Ryan Christie, who has excelled in a deeper position in the past season, and Manchester United ’s Scott McTominay.
Of those four it is McTominay who is probably the most interesting figure, especially given he spent much of the past season alternating between being Scotland's talisman - a brace in a 2-0 win over Spain being the highlight as he top scored in qualification - and Manchester United's utility man.
If Erik ten Hag had had his way then McTominay probably wouldn't be at Old Trafford any more, with the Dutchman seeing him as surplus to requirements at one stage before he battled back into his plans.
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McTominay scored twice in a win over Spain last year (Getty Images)Through his continued selection, McTominay has become almost the ideal player to encapsulate the current situation at United. Not perfect, not really the answer to anything, but so very able to deliver in moments and big moments at that.
He's going to have to do that for Scotland too, with the striking issue facing Clarke being his clear lack of options upfront. The 'freak' training ground injury suffered by QPR's Lyndon Dykes on the eve of the tournament is a massive blow, while the potential to include Liverpool's teenage tearaway Ben Doak as a lively option off the bench has also now disappeared with his injury.
The lack of goals in the squad - among the forwards, Che Adams top scores with six - means that goalscoring burden is likely to be on McTominay, who has scored seven of his eight international goals in the past 16 months. Getting him into scoring positions will be key, with McGinn and Christie set to be relied upon for that, while captain Robertson will be looked to for delivery from the left flank.
Che Adams has just six international goals (Getty Images)Getting the tournament up and running in Munich will be an occasion to savour for Scotland's players and fans, and is also good news for the Tartan Army in the group, with the kinder fixtures against Switzerland and Hungary to come and presenting a real chance of progression, perhaps as one of the best third place sides in the group.
Scotland have infamously never progressed beyond the group stages of major tournament, dismal run which includes eight World Cups and three European Championships, with their only solace at Euro 2020 coming in a goalless draw against England at Wembley.
This is a real opportunity for them though, even if the lack of goals could end up letting them down. Clarke's side can be organised, and their fans are likely to enjoy themselves however the football looks.
It would be a surprise if something isn't riding on that final game with Hungary, where a new Scottish hero could be born.
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