Eras Tour UK: Scottish First Minister's Taylor Swift Gesture Deemed 'Humiliating'

This weekend kicks off Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in the UK, starting with performances in Edinburgh.

But Scotland has decided to honor the singer by renaming a beloved spot in her honor.

The concert series begins Friday evening at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, with additional shows scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Scotland, caught up in Swift fever, renamed Loch Tay in North Perthshireto Loch Tay Tay in anticipation of her visit.

Heart Scotland announced the temporary name change, drawing praise from Scottish First Minister John Swinney.

He invited Swift to explore the region during her visit, extending a warm welcome to her and her fans.

Swinney expressed his excitement, saying, "The first thing I want to say to Taylor and all of her Swifties is they're really, really welcome here in Scotland. I'm so thrilled, and the fact that Loch Tay is being renamed Loch Tay Tay is just fabulous. I speak as someone who represents Loch Tay, who loves Loch Tay, who's got the privilege of representing the area, to say an extra special welcome to Taylor, to Scotland."

He continued, "I really hope she has the chance to go and see Loch Tay - or should I say Loch Tay Tay - which is the most beautiful part of Scotland. She'll get a really warm welcome here, and I know all of the Swifties will be so exhilarated by her presence in Scotland."

However, the gesture faced criticism on social media. One user, @tjsbookxsh, expressed frustration, saying, "They really renamed Loch Tay 'Loch Tay Tay' and had the first minister say Taylor Swift is always welcome in Scotland.... I'm so over the unseriousness of politicians."

Others joined in, with @MistyIsleWitch saying, "I think I've just died of cringe. Christ man, you are the First Minister. Try bloody acting like it."

Another user, @LeSouness, called it "one of the most humiliating moments in Scottish history," while @AgentP22 added, "How utterly embarrassing," along with a vomit GIF.

@n_m1923 pointed out, "Almost 100% of the Swifties will have no idea who @JohnSwinney is. With the exception of Iona, the wannabe Swiftie. Trying to 'be down with the kids' to jump on the back of Taylor's success is just cringe. The Z list SNP could only dream of having a following like hers."

Meanwhile, @KevinLanaghan remarked, "It's funny they never make a fuss of all fans attending football matches every week, bringing in a fortune to the economy."

Tags

Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour