HELP- a call to arms!

[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!)

[IEScotsman]

To the staff of VisitScotland,

Thank you for making an effort to rectify the situation caused by one careless employee. It was disappointing to see that this issue was not addressed when it first came to light, but better late than never. Thank you.

(Robertson - please let us know if you receive that letter.)

[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

[turpin]

Just WOW! The overwhelming response of this forum and the fast action in response thereto just blow me away!. The power of the kilted brotherhood is awesome to behold.

[Fearnest]

Always good to be able to call in "supporting fires" when needed!

[Hamish]

Hi, Robertson et al,

As one of the three who were present in the Dumfries 'Visit Scotland' bureau at the time the offending remark was passed, I am now feeling extremely guilty for not adding my weight to the incredible support my kilted brethren have expressed in this matter. The simple truth is that when I saw the title of the thread: "Call to arms", I suspected it to be another boring 'guns and weapons' topic and so chose not to go near it. I have expressed my apologies to Robertson courtesy of a PM, and now apologise to all who were not personally involved in Dumfries but who have responded to The Call so magnificently.

Whilst I was present in the bureau, I did not hear the remark being made as I believe I was watching a promotional video some distance away at the back of the building as, I think, was Dee. It was a while later, after we left, that Derek told us what had been said.

Hopefully, the culprit will have been read the riot act and he will apologise to Robertson when next he visits the Dumfries bureau. The apologies received in writing from Barbara Clark, and in person from Delia Holland, whilst belated, will hopefully signal the end of this sorry business.

Again, I apologise for not adding my voice when it was, perhaps, most needed.

[flairball]

I'm glad to see the world wide kilted rabble has pulled together and made an impact. I am glad also that an apology was made. I have been a bit out of the loop, and was unable to send an e-mail. Thank you to all who stood up for what was right.

Thinking a little out side the box; now that things are on their way to being fixed, perhaps Robertson could make a trip to the visitors center in question and introduce himself to all their employees. Perhaps if they learn a bit more about you and your business it could benfit all involved. They clearly know who you are, so go and learn who they are; put names to faces. It has been demonstrated that you will stick up for yourself against character assasination attempts. Now let them learn who the man is so there won't be any attempts in the future. It'd be taking the high road in many ways.

Anyway, just a thought.

[bubba]

My take on this is the gentleman in question was just having a very bad day and engaged mouth before starting brain. I think we've all done it a time or 3. The response from VistScotland seems to be very sincere. I'm sure there won't be a repeat of this incident. Yeah, I was a bit slow picking up this thread but I think the situation can be considered a case satisfactorily closed. Great going guys. Reenforcements are great to have.

[morrison]

EGADS!!!! Gazooks !!!! and all maner of hyperbolaic superfluous gobbledy-gik!!!
I was away from my computer for only two days. This discombobulating issue arose and was cured quickly and apparently peaceably and amicably in ONE day!
Here's to you, all you KILTERS, and all whom swiftly assembled the support that was needed to generate the response wanted. You brought a valuable life experience to many.