Thousands of Tartan Army fans, including more than 20 Jailer Tours’ devotees, proudly marched into Krakow’s main square on Tuesday night after Scotland battled to a 0-0 draw against Ukraine.
The stalemate, and with it a massive point, was all they needed to top their Nations’ League group – and earn promotion.
But there was a nerve-jangling four minutes of added time as fans were put through the wringer before jubilation erupted on the terracing inside the Stadium Cracovia.
The heavy rain, which had lasted for most of the match, failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the Jailer Tours contingent, young and old, as they partied into the wee small hours.
The ‘Young Crew’ had left a day earlier than their more mature counterparts, flying direct from Edinburgh to Krakow on Sunday.
But a certain John Kelly was posted missing and had to do catch up.
Jailer Tours’ supremo Craig Mailer, who celebrated his 55th birthday on Tuesday, pulled out all the stops to ensure John made the trip.
He joined the rest of the party on Monday morning for a 5am departure from St Madoes, with pick-up points along the way in Perth and Bridge of Earn.
Thereafter it was a case of trains, planes and automobiles as they flew from Edinburgh to Poznan, followed by an eventful five-hour train trip from there to Krakow.
Games of dominos kept many entertained until Danny Gardiner somehow contrived to lose one of his ‘bones’ down the side of one of the compartment seats. He denied it was the double six but suspicions still linger.
The Perth crew took up residence in the Bulldog Bar, overlooking the impressive grand square in Krakow.
Entertainments convener Ronnie ‘The Voice’ Hutcheson was again in top form - and he was featured on BBC that night as a television crew caught him leading customers in the bar through a Drifters’ number, Saturday Night at the Movies.
Tommy Kennedy’s bluetooth speaker box also made sure there was never a dull moment, much to the consternation of an over-zealous ticket collector on the train.
The exploits of the Young Ones were many and varied - Brendan Murdoch impressed with his rendition of Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler’ in an underground karaoke bar. Ben English mesmerised with his card tricks and there were other episodes in the plush surroundings of the Hotel Pelonia too numerous to report on.
But what goes on tour stays on tour. Maybe...
Raspberry vodka, baby Guinness, shots of extra strong Polish vodka and endless pints of local ale were consumed by the insatiable Perth party before and after the vital match.
To unwind, some chose the Club Havana where Craig McCartney showed off some amazing moves on the dance floor.
With the celebrations going on well past 3am, and alarms set for 7am that same morning, a tired but exhausted party did finally make it to the train station.
But Steve Brown was almost red carded as he boarded Wagon 7 just moments before the train pulled out of the station.
Top marks go once again to organiser Craig Mailer for all the arrangements.
He guided everyone through a strength-sapping three days, and ensured taxis were on hand after four Uber cabs failed to appear as a freak rain storm battered the bedraggled Perth fans as they headed to Poznan Airport for the final leg of the their Polish adventure.
Attention will now be focussed on the Euro qualification draw on October 9 - and the glamour ties that await in the heights of Nations League A.
