HELP- a call to arms!

[Dirk Skene]

I have an e-mail from Elaine Murray saying she would take the matter up.

[thescot]

I sent the following email to Donna Black who is purported to be the person to contact for news:

I am preparing an article on Scottish travel for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In researching for the article, I find the following email that was purportedly sent to your office:
********
Dear VisitScotland-

At the end of January, Mr. Kerr Matthews, who works at the VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Network Office, made negative and derogatory comments about American tourists and people who wear kilts, to a group of tourists in the VisitScotland office. He did this while in his capacity of a representative of VisitScotland. A letter of complaint was sent to the VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Network Office asking for an apology and it has been ignored. This is unacceptable.

As a kilt wearer and someone inclined to visit Scotland on holiday. I am shocked and appalled that a representative of VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Network Office would have the audacity to make personal insulting comments about Americans or people who wear kilts.

Both Mr. Matthews’ statements and the fact that VisitScotland ignored the letter of complaint do not leave me with a positive impression of VisitScotland. Before I plan my next holiday, I will certainly think long and hard whether or not I will include Scotland as a destination.

If there is anything you can do to influence the VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Network Office to do the right thing and apologize, please do.

********

the complainant goes on to describe the incident thus:

On Monday, January 29, 2007 three kilties; two from England (Hamish & dwg69,) and one from Virginia in the U.S.A. (starbkjrus,) all wearing kilts, were perusing the Dumfries VisitScotland Office. Dwg69 enquired, to the man behind the counter (Mr. Matthews,) whether many people in Dumfries wore kilts. Mr. Matthews (who is English) replied something to the effect of “The only kilts we see are on loud-mouthed Americans.” The three tourists were quite surprised at the rudeness of the statement …Then Mr. Matthews went on to say, “There is, in fact, one loud-mouthed American living in Dumfries, who owns a guest house, struts around the town in his kilt and even does his shopping in it!”


Can you please comment on this incident and explain whether it is true and accurate, and whether your Mr. Matthews represents the general feeling of Scots toward kilted American tourists. As I am personally planning a visit to Scotland later this year, I would like to know if this is the way Scots feel toward Americans, kilted or no. I personally wear the kilt on occassion, and had planned to bring a couple along for the visit, as had the others planning to accompany me.

Not only will your response affect my article's tone, it will also help me determine whether I--and my group--will visit at all.

I thank you for your timely response.

James Killman
*********************

I am definitely working on the article and planning the trip, and, quite frankly, the response and resolution of this matter will determine the article's tone and whether we go or not.

I am happy that I didn't go ahead and buy the tickets as I started to do last week.

I tend to vote with my feet and my pocket book.

[cavscout]

I'm wondering if an email to our respective Clan organizations in Scotland would be in order as well? I hate to involve anyone who has no leverage but I would imagine some of the Clans carry quite a bit of clout with the tourism board. Any thoughts?

[Arlen]

Done.
And I have to say, I'm not surprised. I have the same reactionf rom, i think, the same guy when I was there camping with my Dad.
How surprised he was when I point out that I am, in fact, Scottish born and bred.
Thanks for letting us take part in this.

[thescot]

P. S.

I'm following up the email with a letter to the home office.

[Dirk Skene]

some of the Clans carry quite a bit of clout with the tourism board. Any thoughts?

My clan chief conducts tours of Scotland

[Chef]

I am definitely working on the article and planning the trip, and, quite frankly, the response and resolution of this matter will determine the article's tone and whether we go or not.

I am happy that I didn't go ahead and buy the tickets as I started to do last week.

I tend to vote with my feet and my pocket book.

I tend to agree with you but I think not going to Scotland because of the remarks of one idiot Englishman in one Visit Scotland office might be a bit of an over reaction. I have dealt with Visit Scotland both for business and for pleasure and I have, until now, never had nor heard of a problem that I would consider their fault.

My personal feeling is the guy is a double-agent for the English tourist office and he is trying to disuade people from visiting Scotland.

[Pour1Malt]

I am puttin the matter aside for the evening...

it is Emma's Birthday...

an we are going out for a lovely dinner and drams with friends....

slainte

[thescot]

Robertson, I hope you and Emma celebrate her birthday in fine fashion.

On the other hand, I want you all to know that I have already (after only about an hour) received a response from VisitScotland, to wit:

James

Thanks for your email. I'm afraid I am not aware of this issue, but as soon as I am back in the office tomorrow I will look into it and get back to you as soon as I can with our response.

Best wishes

Donna

Donna Black
Press Manager
VisitScotland

I think we should give credit where it is due. Ms. Black is certainly responsive, and I appreciate it. I do not think this is a conspiracy against Americans, but something should be done.

As a final note, one comment would not keep me from traveling anywhere. That is why I wanted to know the "official" feelings of Scots toward loud-mouthed American tourists. I have always enjoyed time spent in Scotland, but I do not go where I am not wanted. I just need to know if I am wanted.

[Kilted KT]

Email will be sent out post haste...