23/06/2009

National Library of Scotland slammed over Saltire slur

Senior management at the National Library of Scotland have been slammed after banning staff from displaying the Saltire flag in the workplace and inferring it was a “racist” and “nationalistic” symbol which “may intimidate non Scottish colleagues.” SNP MSP Christine Grahame who obtained evidence of the NLS policy under freedom of information described the action of managers as an “unforgivable slur on the reputation of Scotland’s national flag” and called on the NLS to issue a full and unreserved apology.
In a string of emails from March this year Alexandra Miller, Director of Customer Services tells NLS staff and managers that the display of the Saltire and tartan will not be tolerated. The emails show that Ms Miller even went to the extent of going round offices herself removing Saltires and other material she deemed “offensive”. In one email exchange she tells managers:

“I believe it could even impinge on respect at work issues where such nationalistic displays may intimidate non Scottish colleagues,“ and adds: “I am very disappointed to see that [staff] continue to have inappropriate material bedecking their workstation.  This includes several Saltires and a Lion Rampant, and the personalisation of a chair with red tartan.” 

Ms Miller then infers the displaying of the Saltire may be deemed “racist” by other staff and visitors: “Workstations are the property of the Library, not of individual members of staff, and it needs to be clearly understood that things of this nature are simply not allowed, for the reasons already given.  This applies to any inappropriate material including calendars and any items that could be deemed to be racist, sexist etc.” she added.

Christine Grahame MSP described the actions of Ms Miller and NLS management as deplorable and completely out of touch. Ms Grahame became aware of the issue after a member of the public contacted her to express concerns about the new policy. Ms Grahame said:

“This is a completely unacceptable slur on Scotland’s national flag. I would have thought that in the National Library of Scotland of all places they would have understood and appreciated the place the Saltire has in Scottish hearts as one of the oldest national symbols in existence. Instead it appears that senior management have embarked on a deliberate assault on the flag of Scotland trying to purge it completely.

“The National Library of Scotland should issue a complete and unreserved apology and ensure the Saltire is not attacked in this crude manner. The actions of Ms Miller appear utterly disproportionate and something the Board of Trustees will, I am sure, want to examine closely.

“Hopefully this is an isolated incident by I would encourage anyone who is aware of similar policies elsewhere to contact me. This type of anti-Scottish behaviour cannot be allowed to go unchallenged and I think this particular example will have damaged the reputation of the National Library of Scotland.”

SNP It’s time.....