Thread by @MizLiot

OPEN LETTER TO THE ROBERT BURNS WORLD FEDERATION (@RobertBurnsFed):

Sirs, the mission statement of the RBWF states clearly that its aim is to ‘promote, educate and celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns and Scotland’s heritage, language and culture’ (as shown below). 1/

This of course states plainly that promoting Scotland’s languages and culture is important as well as the works of Robert Burns, our most famous poet in the Scots language. It also states as below, that the RBWF will promote Burns amongst the public, students & schoolchildren. 2/

I understand that Lesley McDonald is an elected member of your board as the Education Convener.

As such she holds a responsibility for educating the public as part of the aforementioned mission statement. 3/

If you are unaware, the Scottish poet Erin Boyle recently released a new poem in Scots for the Euros cup, and this was published online by the BBC. Miss Boyle received a lot of unkind comments based on her Scottish accent, and her usage of Scottish words. 4/

Lesley McDonald, your Education Convener for the RBWF, and thus responsible for the promotion of Scottish culture, joined in with the unkind commentary, stating the following in response to somebody talking about Miss Boyle’s accent: 5/

She then went on to state this: 6/

And this. At this point, Lesley also felt the need to make a comment on the Gaelic language as well. 7/

I am concerned that somebody who appears to be biased against Scots speaking the Scots language, or against Scots based on their accent through a possible socio-economic bias, is on the board of an organisation whose aim is to promote that very same language...8/

... as well as the works of our most famous poet, who wrote in that same language that Ms McDonald appears to be biased against. I would be concerned that this bias would hinder the RBWF in educating the public on Burns and the Scots language and reaching all areas of society.9/

I am hopeful that you will all consider this issue that has been raised carefully, and take the correct and appropriate action necessary to preserve the integrity of your organisation. 10/10

#scots #scotland #language #robertburns

@molach95 @ColinBurnett16 @ionafyfe @Historic_Ally @billykayscot @Lenniesaurus @tattooedselkie @HiddenAberdeen @emmagraeauthor just for your information. Please share if you feel it necessary.

@jack_capener @OorVyce

Petition for Ms McDonald’s resignation: chng.it/v52QSV7Rsq