Residents of the UK’s “least British” street are split in their support for England ahead of the nation’s upcoming World Cup Semi-Final.
Scotland’s southern neighbours are set to face Croatia tonight (Wednesday) in only their third-ever semi-final appearance at the tournament.
The occasion has prompted calls for Scots to swallow their pride and get behind their old rivals — and for civic buildings to follow the example of the Scotland Office and fly the St George’s Cross on match days.
If there was one street in the country most likely to be displaying the chequered flag of the Croats it would be Ballater Place in the Douglas area of Dundee, which was last year revealed as the least British street in the UK.
Analysis of the 2011 census data showed 91% of people who lived on the street described themselves as Scottish.
This was in contrast to Lochend Drive and parts of Pendicle Road in Bearsden in Glasgow, which were dubbed the most British in Scotland with 69% identifying as Brits.
Flying the flag for Croatia are husband and wife Garvie and Yvonne Jamieson, of Ballater Place, who are both adamant they will not be supporting England.
Garvie said: “It’s because of the fans mostly.
“I know they seem to have behaved OK at this tournament but they just have such a bad reputation.
“They bring down the UK.
“It’s an awful thing to say but I hope it’s 2-1 to Croatia.”
Ross Handy, 22, agreed, adding: “I won’t be supporting them, no way. It’s England isn’t it? It’s all about the England-Scotland thing.
“I would like for them to get beat pretty badly. The higher the score the better.
“Most folk round here will agree with me.”
However, fellow resident David Lawson, 80, did not share that view and is prepared to quietly let bygones be bygones.
He said: “I prefer Scotland of course but England is part of Britain.
“Don’t tell my daughter or son I’ll be supporting England though.
“It’s not like I’ll be shouting and cheering them on — that would be too far. But I do think supporting the team they’re against is maybe a wee bit immature.
“I actually didn’t know this street is supposed to be the least British in the country.
“It’s a very narrow outlook. It sounds like I might be in the minority wanting England to win.”
Lee McGregor, 23, will also be supporting England. He said: “I’ve grown up all over the place in the UK so I’ll be supporting them. My Mum and Dad live down in Bradford.
“Scots wanting England to lose doesn’t really bother me to be honest, I’m pretty used to it.
“My partner is Scottish and she seems to hate England.”
Croatia V England will kick off at 7pm on Wednesday and will be shown live on ITV.
