Tartan Army superfan clocks up more than a million miles watching Scotland

A SCOTLAND superfan has travelled more than a million miles to watch his footie heroes at Hampden.

Lewis McMeekin, 61, has been at almost every home game for the past 12 years — despite living in Australia.

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And the dedicated Tartan Army footsoldier reckons he has spent upwards of £50,000 flying from Brisbane to Glasgow over the years.

Expat Lewis said: “It’s like an addiction.

“I first started going to see Scotland as a wee boy when I was 13 in 1976 and I haven’t stopped since.”

Former firefighter Lewis, wife Ada and their son Angus packed up and headed for a new life in Oz in 2012 after he took early retirement.

He told how it had always been Ada’s dream, but warned her a 10,000 mile address change would not dent his dedication to following Scotland through thick and thin.

Lewis recalled: “I was happy to go to Australia but I told her, ‘I’m still going to go to the football’ and she laughed and said just ‘whatever keeps you happy’.”

The savvy dad knew his obsession wouldn’t come cheap — and managed to land himself a job as a baggage handler at Brisbane Airport, giving him staff flights at discounted rates.

He said: “When we first emigrated I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if I could get a job at the airport?’ and then I did, so it worked out nicely.”

Lewis has been to more than 50 Scotland games since he left his hometown of Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

And other than during the pandemic, he has never missed a home game.

Daughter Morgan, 33, remained in Scotland, meaning Lewis still has somewhere to stay during his frequent trips home.

And he’s racked up a fair few away games as well.

Lewis said: “I never miss a home game. Never. And I make sure I go to at least two away games every year.”

He has met famous Scotland fans along the way, including Sir Rod Stewart, 79, Hollywood star Ewan McGregor, 53, and ex-player James McFadden, 41.

Lewis said: “We met Rod at the 1998 World Cup in St Etienne. We were in this bar and just finishing our drinks to leave and in walks Rod.

“I just said to the boys, ‘Let’s stay for one more’. We ended up asking for a picture and he was brand new.”

“We met Ewan McGregor at the same competition. He was a nice guy as well. It’s amazing who you come across when you follow Scotland.

“It brings everyone together. I love it.”

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Lewis flew to Germany last summer for the Euros too.

He said: “Even though it didn’t turn out quite how we had all hoped, just being part of it was incredible.”

He is now hoping Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. And he will cheering them on when they face Greece in Athens in March.

He added: “I am praying we qualify so I can start planning for America.”

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