I too have been away for a few days. Robertson, I am sorry about the whole incident, but glad there seems to be a happy conclusion.

As an expat Brit in the USA (12 years) I am mostly glad of the welcome I and my family have received. Occasionally, I have met with similar narrow-mindedness from the odd ignorant person who makes unkind comments about British people. It puts one in a strangely vulnerable position. Nonetheless, the mixing of cultures, the exchange of ideas and the acceptance of difference is, in the end, a good thing for all of us.

I think you are a credit to Scotland and the USA.

Let's hope this incident will contribute to greater tolerance.

My best to you (and Emma) and thanks to those folk from VisitScotland who responded.

Dr. Andrew Fitz-Gibbon, Assistant Professor in Philosophy, SUNY Cortland, NY, USA.