Football in Scotland holds a revered place in the country’s cultural fabric, intertwining rich history, iconic venues, and passionate supporters. The sport’s roots in Scotland trace back to the early 19th century, with organised matches documented as early as the 1820s. The formation of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in 1873, the second oldest in the world, marked the formalisation of the game and laid the groundwork for Scotland’s enduring football traditions.

The national stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, opened in 1903, stands as a symbol of Scottish football. It has hosted countless memorable matches, including three European Cup finals and numerous Scottish Cup finals.

Scottish football is also defined by its storied clubs, with Rangers and Celtic at the forefront. These two Glasgow-based giants, collectively known as the Old Firm, boast an intense rivalry that goes beyond football, touching upon aspects of religion, politics, and identity.

The passion of Scottish football fans is epitomised by the Tartan Army, the national team’s supporters. Known for their loyalty, colourful attire, and spirited chants, the Tartan Army has garnered a reputation as some of the most dedicated and good-natured fans in the world. Whether at Hampden Park or traveling across the globe, these fans bring a unique and infectious energy to every match.

Scottish Grounds 1990s is a photographic series by photographs Tony Davis that celebrates Scottish football stadiums in the 90s. The limited edition A5 zine contains 27 black and white photographs across 28 pages.

Scottish Grounds 1990s | Tony Davis

Scottish Grounds 1990s is a series of photographs by Tony Davis that celebrates Scottish football stadiums in the 90s.

A limited edition A5 zine containing 27 black and white photographs across 28 pages.

£8.50

Shop now

“A magical paradise for Stadium freaks”, remarked Tony Davis after his mid 1990s tour of Scottish football grounds.

These stadiums had survived the test of time, braving the elements of decades of bleak, harsh winters coupled with the relentless tread of hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans as generation after generation followed in their forefathers’ footsteps.

Widespread stadia redevelopment had already arrived in some parts and was soon to blanket the British Isles, with seemingly new uniform structures replacing the old iconic grounds that gave each club its own identity.

Massive changes were just around the corner. But on these travels  Davis discovered grounds steeped in tradition, each with a rudimentary, mystical feel. Uniquely quirky, they were a far cry from today’s modern lookalike stadiums. “Full of old school charm”, says Davis.

“The grounds were quite open and you got all this natural light pouring in, with distinctive floodlights towering into the sky.” 

To Davis, both Celtic Park and Ibrox appeared to be almost “religiously lit”. 

“The picture outside Celtic Park, with the lad running past is really iconic,” he said. “And Ibrox, with the light just kissing half the stand. 

“But, I was excited to photograph all the grounds, like Cappielow and Central Park with the cranes and random signage.”

Others had amusement parks either attached or nearby, or featured car or greyhound racing tracks around them. “The lower league grounds always doubled up for something,” he said.

“So many of the grounds had a haunting and quite rudimentary feel about them. They all had their quirks. I loved the hedge at Brechin’s Glebe Park that runs the length of the pitch. Montrose, too, with its wall made of breeze blocks was quite brutal and really simplistic.

The two Dundee grounds were Davis’s favourites to photograph. “A photographer’s dream,” he said. 

“You had two very different grounds but so close together. With the allotments at the back of Tannadice Park and a huge dog track around Dens Park. You can see Dundee United’s floodlights in the background. 

“There was a big redevelopment period in the 90s, and so I was able to capture the best of the old grounds and what was then some of the new. Livingston for example were having an entirely new ground built and Hibs’ Easter Road was being redeveloped around that time.

“I went inside the Livingston ground but as soon as I did I just came back out – it was far more interesting watching on from a muddy field with these kids that had gathered there, seemingly just standing in the middle of nowhere.”

Raith Rovers’ Starks Park presented Davis with yet another prized frame, with a Scotland Against Drugs poster stuck to the wall, while he also ventured south of the border to take in Berwick Rangers, and their accompaniment of English flags, scarves and anthems.

Wherever he went he discovered something distinctively unique. “Modern grounds can be so soulless and boring,” he said.

Scottish football, with its rich history, iconic clubs, historic venues, and passionate fans, remains a cornerstone of Scotland’s national identity, continually influencing and inspiring generations.

Over the years Davis has compiled a deep archive of pictures that capture British football culture in the 80s, 90s, and 00s as well has being well known for his rave photography, his work with the British Culture Archive and Café Royal Books.

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