FC Twente will debut a unique tartan-inspired kit during their Dutch Eredivisie away fixture against AZ Alkmaar this weekend, celebrating a deep and enduring bond with the Scottish town of Stranraer. The cross-border connection dates back to 2006, when Twente supporter Dennis Van Unen, who was suffering from terminal skin cancer, fulfilled his dying wish to experience the fierce rivalry of an Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers.
The unlikely alliance began when Van Unen met Stranraer fans Jim McKie and James Hilton at Twente's De Grolsch Veste stadium in Enschede. McKie, a Rangers follower, and Hilton, a Celtic fan, sourced tickets and joined Dennis on a tour that took in Ibrox, Celtic Park, and Hampden. Following a farewell trip to Enschede near the German border before Van Unen died at the age of 34, supporters from both sides established a tradition of reciprocal visits, which even saw Twente travel to Stranraer for a 2017 pre-season match marking a decade since his passing.
The strip's first competitive appearance will be followed closely more than 400 miles away at The Grapes, a pub located near Stranraer FC's Stair Park that serves as home to the Stranraer Tukkers supporters' group. Decorated with the Saxon Steed from the Twente badge outside and the Dutch club's red and white colours within, the bar is run by 70-year-old landlord Billy Hodge. Hodge, a Twente season ticket holder who travels to matches several times a year and modelled the shirt for the promotional campaign, noted that both fanbases share a dedicated, working-class spirit.
Scottish heritage has surfaced before in Twente's history, notably through a popular 1994/1995 tartan away shirt, former Motherwell defender Rob McKinnon's spell between 1996 and 1998, and striker Scott Booth's Dutch Cup triumph in 2001. Twente, who currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie after nine fixtures and are competing in the Europa Conference League, aim to safeguard this unique link for the future. Club marketing manager Leon Molenkamp confirmed the design has proven immensely popular, celebrating a heartfelt relationship that continues to see supporters regularly travel back and forth.