UK Attracts The World’s Attention As It’s Being Invaded Because Of Taylor Swift

Scotland is now in the grip of Taylor Swift mania after superfans began their invasion of Edinburgh days ahead of her first show.

Some 220,000 Swifties will flock to Murrayfield Stadium this weekend as the 34-year-old megastar kicks off the sellout UK leg of her Eras tour.

Days ahead of her first performance tomorrow, her most dedicated followers were queuing outside the stadium in a bid to be the first to get their hands on official tour merchandise.

And as the frenzy began, shops, bars and restaurants around the Scottish capital geared up for what they are hoping will be one of their best weekends of the year.

Even the capital’s trams have been covered in adverts for the star’s latest album and hotel rooms have become hard to find.

Some hoteliers are charging a staggering £1,600 a night amid the shortage of rooms in the city.

The scale of Ms Swift’s UK tour – which is also set to go to Liverpool, Cardiff and London – is said to be worth a boost to the UK economy of nearly £1billion.

A lot of that money will find itself in Edinburgh, with each fan predicted to splash out £848 on tickets, travel, accommodation, outfits and other expenses.

Sophie Snow is among the most committed fans, with tickets to all three nights, and has meticulously planned what she is wearing to each show.

The 29-year-old said: ‘I think it’s going to welcome a lot of people to Edinburgh for the first time as a lot of international fans are coming.

‘I feel like these events aren’t as common in Scotland so it would be nice to bring a lot of people in because hopefully they will come back.’

As Ms Swift prepared to jet to the Scottish capital, Loch Tay was renamed Loch Tay Tay after the world’s biggest pop star’s nickname.

First Minister John Swinney even encouraged her to visit the popular loch.

Mr Swinney, who represents the area, said: ‘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.’

Meanwhile, hundreds flocked to Murrayfield yesterday to buy T-shirts, hoodies and other merchandise in support of the US pop sensation.

Some began queuing from the early hours of the morning, and even took time off work to make sure they could join the queue.

Amid the excitement, Murrayfield Stadium had its Scottish Gas sponsorship rebranded to ‘Scottish Lass’.

Edinburgh has been hit with intense downpours, mixed with sunny spells, prompting fears of a washout weekend.

The singer’s previous shows in the rain have become a TikTok sensation, with fans sharing clips of her continuing to perform in torrential downpours.

But it looks unlikely the weather will be too bad, with concertgoers advised to take a jacket amid a risk of showers and chilly temperatures.

Craig Snell of the Met Office warned there was a risk of a rain showers each day but it should not affect the event too much.

The meteorologist added: ‘There is an area of rain which is going to head towards Edinburgh during the evening on Friday, so it may well be towards the back end of the concert it may start to turn a bit wet across Edinburgh.’

On Saturday and Sunday there might be a few showers as people head to the stadium gig but it should stay largely dry.

Mr Snell, who forecast temperatures around 11C (52F), said: ‘Heading to the concert [on Saturday and Sunday] you will probably see some showers, and then as the concert starts the showers should be fading away towards sunset time. So Friday probably the greater chance of rain, and then I think Saturday and Sunday will be greater chance of rain just before the concert.’

Bethan Hodges is going to the first gig tomorrow and revealed she was so excited to see Ms Swift, whose fans swap friendship bracelets, she has wept.

The 35-year-old said: ‘It’s my first time seeing her and I’ve been so excited that sometimes I cry about it. I’m excited for everything – the thought of trading bracelets makes me a bit nervous but I know everyone going will be lovely because Taylor’s fans are nice to each other.

‘I just can’t wait to see it in real life and hear the surprise songs.

‘I watch all the live streams of when she does other shows to hear the surprise songs and I’m just hoping she’s going to do one of my favourites.’

Eleanor Osada, 27, will be seeing Ms Swift twice this weekend and said: ‘It’s pretty much all on my mind at the moment. It genuinely feels like the run-up to Christmas.

‘The double whammy of having Paramore supporting the tour is the most mind-bending thing for me, as they’re my number one band forever.

‘As for the show itself, I can’t wait to experience the theatre of it all, and hear songs I haven’t had chance to hear yet – from Reputation onwards, for me.

‘It’ll be like an all-night singalong, and I’ll probably sing myself hoarse.’

But with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Swift obsessives has come with a plea from City of Edinburgh Council.

Val Walker, head of the culture and communities committee, said: ‘Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.

‘We ask that visitors are considerate whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city.’