HELP- a call to arms!

[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

[Livingston]

Ms Clark & Ms Holland,

Although I am not one of the people that responded, I would like to thank you for your reply. All of us here have some type of tie to Scotland whether it be by family, a respect of Scottish history and it's effect on our various countries or something in between. We show that tie by respectfully wearing the kilt. Some of us just a few times a year and others full time.

Dumfries will be on the list when my wife and I get the chance to visit Scotland and we will be sure to stop in.

Thank you,
Greg Livingston
Colorado Springs, CO, USA

[Dirk Skene]

Dear Robertson and forum members ......

Thank you, dear Lady.

[Pour1Malt]

I have sent an email to Delia...

this is what I sent...

Delia Holland-

Thank you again for taking the time to come by Ferintosh. I greatly appreciate you respecting me enough to speak to me in person and I thank you for the apology. Both Emma and I found you to be quite professional, reasonable, and personable.

Thank you also for the apology that you and Barbara Clark posted on the Xmarks website. I am satisfied with the apology from VisitScotland. I imagine the other three gentlemen are satisfied too and I will be contacting them today to confirm that.

In my original letter I asked for “a written apology from both Mr. Matthews and the VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Network Office for these malicious and hurtful statements. “

I would still like an apology from Mr. Matthews, I realize you apologized on his behalf, but I prefer he takes responsibility for his behavior and apologizes to me himself, either in writing or in person. I am happy to stop by the VisitScotland office within the next few weeks and, if Mr. Matthews is working behind the desk, this would afford him the opportunity to apologize to me in person. After this occurs I can feel this matter has been completely resolved.

I am looking forward to having this whole incident behind me.

As a side note- I was a tenured professor for 8 years in America before giving up everything to move to Scotland and although, I am not a professor here, I still expect people to treat me with the same respect and decency that I deserve. This has not been a petty matter to me and I thank you again for treating me with respect and decency.


Thank you
Robertson Wellen
Ferintosh Guest House