Hot Stuff!

[Nick Fiddes]

Just a wee footnote, having re-read my words from late last night, that it might sound like my feelings are partly racially motivated. I can say with hand on heart that this has nothing to do with colour, religion, or even indeed place of birth. Scotland has a long and proud history of welcoming all-comers (widespread resentment at English rule notwithstanding, but that was a political resistance thing and not racial) and I have no problem at all with anyone who contributes to our business or cultural life, whatever their background. My problem is with its being plagiarised and with unfair competition, for that's what I regard it is when anyone consistently operates to close to the margins of the law (to put it politely) taking advantage of a culture where business ethics still mean something, and with no concern for the damage done to the very traditions they exploit. I know it's possible to do business very successfully by playing hard but also with a conscience, as some of the greatest figures in history have shown. It's also possible for unpleasant people to get rich by shady and abusive practices. I just don't like the latter. That's my personal feelings on the matter.

[MartinGrenoble]

Just a wee footnote,(...) My problem is with being plagiarised and with unfair competition,(...) taking advantage of a culture where business ethics still mean something ...

Be glad then that the French and the Dutch voted against the so-called constitution for Europe, which contained nothing at all about cooperation, but insisted on competition throughout. As for ethics, that was the least concern of those that devised the document, based on the "rules" of the self-appointed WTO, the least democratic body known since the pharaohs.

If these people had their way, you would have no recourse whatever against competition of any kind.

Martin
ps: there is, of course, an exemption from WTO rules; although GB cannot impose quotas or tarifs on Pakistani kilts, the USA can put stiff duties on Scottish kilts.

[slohairt]

What I find particularly frustrating is the number of people (be they the public or posters here on XMTS) who continue to confuse PV (65/35 Polyester-Viscose) with Acrylic! THEY ARE NOT THE SAME FABRIC!

[Chef]

Nick, I did not see any of your comments racially motivated. I grew up in Newington and spent countless hours walking the Royal Mile. It sickens me to see what it has become. I'm not sure what can be done, but anything that can, should be done. The Royal Mile represents Edinburgh and Scotland and the tartan tat that Gold brothers sells can't be allowed to be that representation. While they prostitute Scotland's tradition and heritage they care not a lick for it or Scotland's industry.

I have heard the rumours about intimidation and sabotage that has taken place on other vendors. I don't know if they are true but the fact that the rumours exist means there is a problem. I know from my friends and relatives how they too feel about what has happened.

There are those who talk about competition and how other stores should compete. What the Gold Brothers do is beyond that it cuts into Scotland's culture and represents it as a roadside tourist trap. Unfortunately it is the Scots built in sense of fair play that allows them (and others) to do this. In France the Ministry of Culture would be stepping in and perhaps Scotland needs the same to protect its self.

So Nick, while you temper yourself by admitting there is a business interest in your views you are by no means alone in your feelings.