Visit Scotland staff;

After serving a year in Baghdad, I wanted to take my family for a memorable holiday. I had been staying in London for more then a week, and only planned to visit Scotland for a couple of days. I ended up staying a week. I enjoyed Scotland so much, that I was encouraged by a friend, and fellow operator in Baghdad, to consider moving to Scotland, if only for a year. Alas, I did not, but wanted to very much.

My brief visit to your wonderful country and the impact of your history and culture, have created a longing for a return trip. About 5 years ago, while attending a Celtic festival, I bought a kilt that I only wore for special occasions. I now own 5 kilts, and my pride is an 8 yard Operation Iraqi Freedom: PSD tartan that was registered at the Scottish Tartan Authority. My kilts have been all over the world with me. Baqhdad, Jordan, Ireland, Germany, Amsterdam, and of course, America.

You may or may not be able to appreciate my concern, that as I am discovering a rich and unique heritage, I hear stories how members of Visit Scotland, i.e. Mr. Kerr Matthews, consider me a "Loud Mouth American", and my desire to connect to a time long forgotten is somehow considered obnoxious.

I am sending my mother on another visit to Scotland this summer. I will not let Mr. Kerr Matthews inconsiderate and ill spoken words stop her from a repeat of the wonderful and special time she had on our last vacation. It was people like Mr. Matthews that made me leave London for a week in Scotland. Too bad you have him working for you at VisitScotland.

It would have been considerate of you to send an apology to Mr. Robertson for the horrible things Mr. Matthews is saying while representing your company, and your country.

With Deepest sympathy,

Jay T. King