To think the Scottish tourism industry is going to be hugely affected by the referendum, whatever the outcome

[Bearbehind]

Just been reading some of the indyref threads and it made me think about the affect on Scottish tourism, mainly from English tourists,

I know it's only one factor in the grand scheme of things but it seems damned to me whatever the result.

There is such an anti English sentiment at the moment I don't think many English people will be rushing up there for a holiday will they?

Well if it's done so much damage Bear, then I've yet to hear that being reported on the news up here. Then again, we have slightly more pressing issues than some folks dithering about whether to come to Scotland for a break.

Agreed with everything fanjo has said. There are countless threads on here implying yes voters are too stupid to understand the issues, that Scotland should just eff off, that we're all racist against the English. It's got nothing to do with hating the English (we don't.) I live in London and anytime anyone hears my accent at the moment I get treated to a load of anti-Scottish bs. It's depressing to find out what a lot of English people on mumsnet really think of us Scots to be honest. And all the threads about riots and things are as hysterical as the countless nonsense threads about UKIP a few months ago. If you truly think Scottish people are uneducated, bigoted and violent, I suggest visiting Scotland - I mean other than Edinburgh! - and finding out what it's actually like.

Another Scot here who thankfully has not heard a single anti-English sentiment. Not anywhere, from anyone. I am a No voter, many of my friends are voting Yes, and we do not feel divided, or mad at each other, or aggressive. Normal decent people are behaving like normal decent people. I feel very strongly about how I want tomorrow to go, as do they, but would not dream of falling out with anyone over it.

Does the Scottish police investigate allegations of racism against English people? Is Alex Samond prepared to condemn one of incidences of poor / criminal behaviour.

I feel that Scotland is institionally racist towards English people. There is no way I would visit.

Reallytired are you actually serious or just stirring the pot?

Should I rush to the police and report that the third verse of the national anthem racially abuses me?

I think I'd be uncomfortable, as an English person, holidaying in Scotland for the next month or so (regardless of how the vote goes), but by next spring, I think the emotions will have calmed down a lot.

That said as well, it could well be bookings are down because people are 'waiting to see' - it doesn't mean those holiday cottages won't be full by next summer, it's just that people might be waiting to see if there's any deals to be done.

There's no anti English sentiment

Regardless of your voting choice, that is really an indefensible viewpoint

This is an Internet forum Bear not the real world. I really don't think that the Scottish tourist board will be quaking in their boots because a few English Mumsnetters have decided not to go to Scotland for their holidays.
Frankly, I'll be chuffed if there are slightly less tourists. The price of accomadation during the festival is bloody expensive. We go up every other year and the prices for next year even in the most basic hotels and b&b's is sky high.

OFMG celticlass - is your viewpoint really that less English incomers up here will make our holidays cheaper?

Words fail me.

Internet or not, the sentiment on here is very much the real world.

People are not talking about holidaying outside of Scotland just for something to say.

Oh bear do calm down. You're investing a lot of energy into something that really isn't here nor there and doesn't even affect you. Don stress on our behalf. We're made of tough stuff with famous hospitality and I would personally welcome anyone from the rest of the UK to join us for their holidays. I have utmost respect for the people that choose to spend their summer with our midges. It's not an easy option! But the veiws, the history, the castles, the walks, the coast, the boat rides, the food, the drink, the music and the culture make up for those pesky nibblers.

K live in Edinburgh and take a week off just to spend time in my own city every summer. The place actually sings with activity.

Hmmmm - I've deliberately stayed out of the MN debate on the referendum.
Scotland is a stunning country with a lot to offer tourists and IMHO I don't think the tourism industry will be adversely affected by the anti-English sentiment expressed in some quarters.

I lived just outside Glasgow for 3 years and worked in the Civil Service. The experiences I had being English living in Scotland were fairly awful :( and I was glad to move back home, despite having made some close friends.

However, I wouldn't say that the anti-English culture is in every area of Scotland. Anecdotally, Edinburgh, for example is more mixed and friendlier.

In contrast, the Highlands would not be somewhere I would recommend English people to live - although it's a beautiful location. I know of someone who was confronted at work and held accountable for Culloden...

Glasgow is a particularly challenging area for the English, Irish and Catholics.

I'm aware that these are generalisations - I can only speak for my own experiences. I think that there are always people in every society who will discriminate against others.

Agreed with everything fanjo has said. There are countless threads on here implying yes voters are too stupid to understand the issues,

It goes both ways... Apparently no voters aren't proper Scots, can't be proud and are selfish to name but a few

Reallytired - that is a completely ridiculous and completely unfounded thing to say.

I'm visiting Scotland next weekend

I was just about to post the same as museumum. Aggression has been exaggerated (surprise) by the No supporting, headline grabber media.

Maybe media coverage will make some think twice about visiting. I would hope not though. It's as silly to judge the whole of Scotland on the basis of a tiny number of Scottish people as it is for that tiny number of Scottish people to judge all of England on a tiny number of English people.

Which are are you visiting Elizabeth? We've been having surprisingly good weather for this time of year so it's a good time to visit.

What a brilliant idea Rita you never really appreciate where you live until you take the time to actually explore it yourself with the eyes of a tourist.

Oops, meant to say which area.

Hear hear Rita! I live in Edinburgh too, have done for many years and am still in awe idiots beauty, but I digress. This argument is getting very silly and I for one am not going to lose sleep over Bears perceived hysteria over Scotland's Tourism woes, which I believe in the mainstream are unfounded.

Oh and Bear, I think Celticlass was being sarcastic you know!

PS. I now have the Beatles song Lovely Rita Meter Maid going round and round my head!

• of its! Not idiots!!

I love it! I will admit it was more fun pre children and staying out until 6am but even with the boys in tow there is so much to do. I save up and act like I'm on holiday, eating out, treating the house like a hotel really. And there's always the museum for a rainy day or a trip on the train to Glasgow.

I feel so lucky to call this fabby place home.

I walked the west highland way a few years ago. Could have went on a cruise cheaper (I insisted on proper hotels, luggage transfer and all that I no doubt could have rough camped but after walking 20 miles a day I wanted a bed). I was constantly in awe of this wonderful country I call home. Saw stags and eagles and all sorts as well. Can't wait to do it again.

I'm English living in Scotland and have heard very little anti-english anything to be honest

I lived in Scotland for years and had really horrible time and glad to be at home in England, especially now I have kids. People ignored me when I spoke, called me snooty English Bitch, spilled drinks on me, abused me in the post office/ shops, taxi drivers were the worst. One drove me to the train station to visit home during a uni break I was 20, him 40+ and called me an English cunt (after I'd paid I might add). I get what Really means, though they are a bit strong, it really did feel like nobody gave a shit. I have never heard anyone say anything anti - Scottish in England. Ever. But that is just my experience. Just as I know not all Scots are racist to the English, but please don't minimise direct experiences or deny it happens. It does, especially now old uni friends having a heck of a time. It hurts, it's scary and it's not a joke.

Numanoid my parents in law live in Dumfriesshire (where they have experienced no hostility despite being English accented ancestrally Scottish retiring after years in England/overseas) we love it there.