As the Scotland's mens team gear up to play in their first major tournament in 23 years, actor Martin Compston has teamed up with Tennent's Lager to help soothe the nation's nerves.
‘23 Years In the Making’ tells the story of Scotland’s return to the big stage and will help to soothe pre-match nerves kicking in across the country.
Opening the book, Martin starts “On a warm summer’s day in France…” reflecting on the Scotland Men’s Team’s last appearance at a major finals back in 1998, before lamenting the beginning of a “tournament drought” that no one could have foreseen:
“For a generation had missed out on the big occasion, the magic of Gemmill, McCoist and Collins lifting the spirit of a nation.”
The story passionately recounts the highs, the lows, the joy and the all too familiar pain of following Scotland, but talks of “a new chapter that sees us back where we belong, on the big stage with a team 5 million strong”.
It also nods to “Scotland’s new heroes set to make their own history, like Robertson, Marshall, McTominay and Christie.”
He continues excitedly as he looks ahead to Scotland’s first game at a major tournament in 23 years and delivers the passionate rallying cry, “C’mon Scotland, we’re made for this” before closing the book.
As Martin finishes by urging his fellow supporters to rest up for the “big day tomorrow” he delivers a final thought to send the nation off to sleep with a smile on its face:
“How will the story end? We’ll need to wait and see, but remember, sometimes dreams come true…even at Wembley.”
Fans can watch Martin Compston recite the bedtime story on Tennent’s Lager social media channels from 6pm on Sunday 13 June ahead of Scotland’s opening group match against the Czech Republic at Hampden on 14 June.
Speaking of the video Martin Compston said: “It's taken a while, but we’re finally here. It’s the night before Scotland takes on Europe and anticipation is at an all-time high for what lies ahead tomorrow.
"I remember the same night in 1998, and it feels exactly the same – the build-up, the pre-match nerves and hopes building as we get set for the match.
"Wherever you’re watching; at home, in the pub with a pint of Tennent’s, or for a lucky few, at Hampden – we’ve been waiting 23 years for this match to come, and only one thing is certain.
"We're made for this.”
Cameron Matthews, Tennent’s senior brand manager, added: “23 years is a long time to wait, and despite the past six months feeling like another 23 years, the time has finally come.
"Tennent’s has stood side by side with the Tartan Army for almost 50 years, and we know that supporting Scotland can put you through the emotional wringer.
"But it’s been so long since we’ve had to deal with pre-match nerves we just had to call in Martin’s soothing tones to ease us off to sleep.
"As he says, we’ll need to wait and see what tomorrow brings, but as a nation we’re made for this.”
The film is part of Tennent’s Made For This campaign, with Scotland’s favourite lager helping fans to enjoy a summer of football.
