| Dundonian John Roy and fiancee Bjorg Vestergaard, who comes from the Faroe Islands, will tie the knot next summer after a romance which began when the Scots played in the Faroes back in 2002.
John, a long-standing foot soldier of the Tartan Army, was disappointed with the result that day as Berti Vogts’ men were held to a humbling 2-2 draw in a Euro 2004 qualifier.
However, as the 36-year-old found solace in a local hostelry in Torshaven, he bumped into Bjorg. They exchanged phone numbers and kept in touch and, in 2003, Bjorg moved to Dundee. The following Christmas they got engaged and set the date for their wedding as August 2007.
Over the last few years, Bjorg (26), who works with people with learning disabilities in Fintry and Linlathen, has followed John and the rest of the Tartan Army as they tried, and failed, to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
However, she’ll be sporting her country’s colours at this weekend’s Euro 2008 qualifier at Celtic Park, even though she’ll be among the tartan-clad hoards.
“When the Faroes were last here three years ago, we sat with their fans at Hampden Park and the atmosphere was great,” said John. “So, this time, Bjorg will sit among the Scotland fans and we’ll have our two flags sitting side by side.”
Having been part of the Tartan Army on numerous occasions, Bjorg knows what sort of reception to expect. “The Scottish supporters have always been really friendly to me and their passion for the game is amazing.”
With Scotland now her adopted home, she does admit to having mixed feelings. “I suppose it’ll be 50/50, but I hope the Faroes do well,” she said.
Bjorg expects around 250 fans to travel from her homeland to watch the match and she’s sure to meet up with a few old faces, laughing, “The Faroes is only a small place, you know everyone.”
Meanwhile, John, who works as a quality manager for J. T. Inglis, has no doubts about where his allegiance lies and he fully expects Walter Smith’s men to get off to a flyer. But, even if they don’t, he won’t be falling out with Bjorg.
He joked, “Put it this way, we are booked on a flight from Glasgow to Lithuania at 6.15 am on Sunday and, whatever happens, we’ll both be on it.”
The pair, who live in the Hilltown area, intend to follow the Scots as much as possible throughout the qualifying campaign, which will include next week’s trip to Lithuania, along with visits to France, Italy and, of course, the Faroes next June. |
