Scotland fans have scored an early win ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign with their successful bid to get all games shown live on free TV.
For too long, supporters have had to navigate between a range of paid-for subscription services if they wanted to watch Steve Clarke’s side in action.
The situation was made all the more galling when England games have long been broadcast for free on the likes of ITV and Channel 4.
Clarke has brought pride back to the men’s national team thanks to back-to-back qualifications for the European Championships.
Fans are now desperate to see Scotland return to a World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Demand to watch the team live is at an all time high, so the BBC deserves credit for getting a broadcast deal with Uefa over the line.
But the contract only runs until 2026 – and some are already asking what comes next.
Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, speaks for many football fans when he says the Scotland games should be permanently free-to-air.
Other events, such as Wimbledon or the Scottish Cup Final, are considered sporting crown jewels and must be broadcast on regular TV channels. Competitive games involving Scotland should be the same. The whole nation will want to give its backing.
Few things beat the thrill of watching Scotland at Hampden or on the road with the Tartan Army – but for those who don’t manage to get to the games they should always be on free TV.
Laud our ladies
ON today’s International Women’s Day, it is right that we pay tribute to the Scots who are tackling sexism and breaking down barriers in politics, business and sport.
And there is lots to cheer about.
The two big finance posts at Holyrood and Westminster are held by women – and both UK and Scottish cabinets have a better gender balance than ever before.
But while we can celebrate these achievements there should be no back-slapping on a job well done.
For many women in Scotland, problems such as extreme poverty, the threat of domestic abuse and casual sexism are still a daily blight.
And men still earn more than women on average, despite decades of attempts to close the gender pay gap.
We still have a long way to go until we reach real and meaningful equality.
Only then can we really celebrate.