HELP- a call to arms!

[barbara clark]

Dear all

We are currently investigating this incident and will post a full reply as soon as we possibly can. We apologise for any upset this may have caused members of this forum and want to make it clear that this type of action is not representative of the staff at VisitScotland or Scotland as a whole. I can assure you that a warm welcome awaits you all!

Barbara Clark
Head of Communications, VisitScotland

[cavscout]

Thank you Barbara for your attention to this matter. This group appreciates the kilt and it's heritage a great deal. Mr. Matthews message was one of total contempt for the heritage of Scotland and anyone who chooses to celebrate it. It is this contempt that has so many of us stirred to action on this incident. Whatever his motivations or sentiment we cannot truly know. We each will have our own interpretation on that. We do appreciate you looking into it and hopefully ensuring that your employees value and encourage the appreciation of Scotland by educating the public and celebrating all the reasons that Scotland's culture and history are so great.

[ckelly327]

Dear all

We are currently investigating this incident and will post a full reply as soon as we possibly can. We apologise for any upset this may have caused members of this forum and want to make it clear that this type of action is not representative of the staff at VisitScotland or Scotland as a whole. I can assure you that a warm welcome awaits you all!

Barbara Clark
Head of Communications, VisitScotland

Just a word: "Wow"

We got through to someone and congrats Robertson.

[GMan]

This is so nice to hear!

[Ialtog]

I just have to say I was pretty surprised that Ms. Clark not only contacted those directly affected, but she visited XMarks as well. I can't say I've seen that kind of effort expended too often by agencies I've dealt with in righting a wrong. Also, kuddos to Elaine Murray. If she wants to spend some time in the sunny Southwest of the USA I'd be happy if she'd be my Representative for awhile! Nice job everyone.... Nice to see a happy ending.

[Riverkilt]

And, I shall contact the spirit of my late father and tell him its okay to resume his ghost patrols over Dumfries in his phantom Hurricane.

Ron

[Pour1Malt]

well...

Delia Holland just stopped by Ferintosh...

we had a nice, brief chat...

she said that an official VisitScotland post is coming soon...

(to this thread!)

It will be an apology to (if I understood correctly) ALL of us...

She apologised to me several times and quite earnestly. (for the remarks, for the letter not being sent, and more)

I think she has been impressed and a bit overwhelmed with how quickly this went from
a small local complaint to a very global one.

I will not detail more yet... suffice to say- she has taken full responsiblity, is very sorry about this, and I respect her for coming to see me in person.

so.. I will wait for their post...

... a side note... it was not Elaine Murray MSP that phoned her (I got that wrong- sorry about that) it was Denise Hill of VisitScotland...

so.. thank you Denise Hill!

[Caradoc]

I can assure you that a warm welcome awaits you all!

I do have to say that I've never met quite as many friendly people as when I was kilted in Edinburgh (for my wedding) and in Dumfries (to go visit the Globe with Robertson and Emma).

The commentary referenced above was a bit shocking, to say the least.

[Pour1Malt]

Dear all

We are currently investigating this incident and will post a full reply as soon as we possibly can. We apologise for any upset this may have caused members of this forum and want to make it clear that this type of action is not representative of the staff at VisitScotland or Scotland as a whole. I can assure you that a warm welcome awaits you all!

Barbara Clark
Head of Communications, VisitScotland

thank you Barbara. I await your posts.

(and welcome!)

[barbara clark]

Dear Robertson and forum members

Firstly, let me apologise for not getting back to you sooner on this issue. It does take time to investigate incidents like this but I accept we should have got back to you within the agreed timescale.

I completely agree that the behaviour you were exposed to was inexcusable. We want our visitors to feel welcome and well looked after and want to ensure that their visit includes the best possible service from VisitScotland. As you know Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway is renowned for the friendliness of its people and we are particularly proud that our visitors constantly refer to this fact.

We have spoken to the staff member in question who apologises unreservedly for his behaviour. Although I cannot comment on individual staff issues, please be assured that we take incidents of this nature very seriously.

VisitScotland also apologises and we hope that you will not allow this regrettable incident to cloud your obvious interest and support of Scotland.

I do hope that you and your guests will accept our apology and that we can continue to work together to promote Scotland as a friendly and welcoming destination.


Delia Holland
Area Director Dumfries and Galloway