A NATIONALIST MSP has claimed to have launched a personal boycott against one of the UK's largest travel companies because its founder backed a No vote in the 2014 independence referendum.
John Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, was urged by the Scottish Conservatives to clarify the remarks with the party claiming the only possible explanation is that he was joking.
Mr Mason, discussing a camping holiday to Ireland on his Twitter account, wrote "I'm boycotting Barrhead Travel as they're on the No side. Got euros elsewhere." After he was challenged over the comment, he replied: "Sensible companies stayed neutral about the independence referendum."
Barrhead Travel, which employs 900 people across the UK, was founded in 1975 and has become the country's leading independent travel group. Ahead of the 2014 referendum founder Bill Munro wrote a memo to staff, which subsequently leaked on social media, in which he stated that independence would be "a disaster", particularly for Barrhead's branches in England and Ireland.
Then, it led to calls online from some pro-independence activists to boycott the firm, however, they were not backed by senior politicians. Mr Munro later defended his right to state his opinion and emphasised that they were not those of the company.
Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Conservative MSP, said: "The only possible explanation for such a tweet is that he was joking.
"But the danger comes when an element of nationalist followers take the message seriously, and use it as an excuse to behave in an unacceptable way.
"With that in mind, perhaps Mr Mason could clarify that his remarks were made in jest."
In a statement, Barrhead Travel said it had no comment to make about Mr Mason's tweet, but that the firm is "delighted to be doing business in Scotland."
It added: "The company contributes enormously to the Scottish economy and provides employment for over 800 staff based in Scotland.
Barrhead Travel continues to expand and is about to open a new training academy in a standalone facility based in Glasgow city centre, providing more opportunities for around 100 young Scots to enter the workplace each year."
A spokesman for the SNP said: "All individuals and businesses are entitled to express their point of view and contribute to political debate, and we do not seek to influence people’s consumer choices on the basis of those views."
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