How a fan’s dying wish led a Dutch football team to a tartan kit

Dutch Eredivisie club FC Twente has launched a special tartan-inspired shirt celebrating its long-standing connection with supporters from the Scottish town of Stranraer. The kit is set to make its debut during Twente's away league match against AZ Alkmaar. The connection originated in 2006 when late Twente fan Dennis Van Unen fulfilled his dying wish to attend an Old Firm match with help from Stranraer fans Jim McKie and James Hilton.

The cross-border bond inspired ongoing reciprocal visits, a dedicated supporters' club at The Grapes pub in Stranraer, and a 2017 friendly match between the clubs. Twente previously wore a tartan away kit during the 1994-1995 season, and marketing manager Leon Molenkamp noted that the new strip aims to preserve this unique relationship for future generations.