SNP minister John Mason tweeted earlier this week that he had refused to purchase euros for his holiday to the Republic of Ireland from Barrhead due to the agency’s support of the Unionist Better Together campaign during the 2014 referendum.
Mason, the deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s economy committee, added that he had not used the company since its founder Bill Munro spoke out in favour of Scotland remaining a part of the UK, The Telegraph reports.
Tweeting while on holiday, the MSP said: “I’m boycotting Barrhead Travel as they’re on the No side. Got euros elsewhere." He added: "Sensible companies stayed neutral about the independence referendum."
During the campaign, Munro sent an email to staff warning that a Yes vote would be a “complete disaster” and urged his employees to disregard what he called the “lies” of the SNP.
Mason’s comments came under fire with fellow MSP’s questioning his need to participate in a boycott such a long time after the Better Together campaign triumphed in the referendum by almost 11 points.
James Kelly, a Labour MSP based in Glasgow said: “John Mason must have difficulty going about his daily business if he refuses to deal with those who raised concerns about independence.
"By his own logic he can’t do his shopping in Asda or Morrisons. He can’t fill up his car in a BP or Shell petrol station. He can’t buy any DIY products from B&Q. He can’t bank with RBS or Lloyds…He can’t even eat a Tunnock’s tea cake. It’s barely worth John Mason getting out of bed in the morning.”
Kelly’s comments were echoed by Liberal Democrat MSP, Mike Rumbles who called Mason’s actions for boycotting Barrhead “ludicrous,” adding: "MSPs should be in the business of supporting Scottish companies, not boycotting them for utterly ludicrous reasons.
A spokesperson for Barrhead Travel said: “Barrhead Travel has no comment to make regarding the tweet made by John Mason MSP. Barrhead
Travel is delighted to be doing business in Scotland.
“The company contributes enormously to the Scottish economy and provides employment for over 800 staff based in Scotland.”
