here is a copy of the letter I am sending to the local newspaper...

Sir-
Is our local VisitScotland office completely worthless? Our business quit VisitScotland’s over-priced scheme over a year ago because of their overwhelming incompetence in promoting our Guest House and sending us tourists. But we have always found a good way to inform our guests about things to see and do in the area was by using the free VisitScotland publication (surprisingly appropriately named) ‘See & Do.’
We put a copy in each room of our Guest House and a small stack by the front door for tourists. After all, it is not enough for tourists to spend money at our Guest House only- we would like them to ‘share the wealth’ at many of the other fine businesses in our community.
During my last visit to the local VisitScotland tourist information office I was informed that, since I was no longer a member of VisitScotland, I was no longer allowed to pick up the free copies of ‘See & Do.’ … in other words…. Since I am not a member of VisitScotland; all the other local businesses who ARE members are going to be punished. VisitScotland will not have the tourists staying at my Guest House spending money at The Globe Inn, Camera Obscura, Casa Mia, Mabie Farm or other businesses advertised in the ‘See & Do’ guide.
Could VisitScotland possibly misunderstand how to support a community any more than they do? Could they possibly do more to harm local businesses? Are they completely worthless?
Robertson Wellen
Ferintosh Guest House
Dumfries