By Domenica Goduto
Scottish tourism bosses have slammed TV funnyman Jimmy Carr after the comic joked that Scotland offers tourists “heroin and shortbread”.
Posting on micro-blogging site Twitter, the 8 Out Of 10 Cats star suggested that “It’s just heroin and shortbread” was a suitable slogan for the Scottish Tourist Board.
The online comment was written during the comic’s “Joke Technician” tour of the UK, hours before his appearance at Eden Court in Inverness on Tuesday.
James Lakie, a spokesman for VisitScotland, said: “Jimmy Carr is a comedian who aims to shock.
“He should keep that kind of material for people who go to see his shows and not post it on social networking sites.
“It does nothing but hinder the work we do.”
“His comments are irresponsible, as tourism brings in £4.1 billion to the Scottish economy every year.
“I don’t think anyone believes Scotland is just heroin and shortbread – maybe he’s watched Trainspotting too many times.”
Carr’s Twitter page has almost 150,000 followers, and contains several other jabs at Scotland.
Beside a photo of Aberdeen’s sandy beach, he commented: “Hanging out by the beach – Yeah, pretty cool.
“It is in Aberdeen – but still.”
There is also a photo of Torness nuclear power station in East Lothian, accompanied by the comment: “Took this photo of a power station/nuclear weapons facility/whatever – anyone in North Korea following my tweet?”
Scottish tourism minister Jim Mather declined to comment on the matter, but a spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “Scotland is famed for stunning scenery, friendly people and modern culture. That reality is enjoyed by millions each year.”
James Lakie agreed, saying: “Scotland has some of the best scenery and visitor attractions in the world and we expect tourist numbers to be increasing this year.
“It is a fantastic tourist destination.”
By Domenica Goduto
Scottish tourism bosses have slammed TV funnyman Jimmy Carr after the comic joked that Scotland offers tourists “heroin and shortbread”.
Posting on micro-blogging site Twitter, the 8 Out Of 10 Cats star suggested that “It’s just heroin and shortbread” was a suitable slogan for the Scottish Tourist Board.
The online comment was written during the comic’s “Joke Technician” tour of the UK, hours before his appearance at Eden Court in Inverness on Tuesday.
James Lakie, a spokesman for VisitScotland, said: “Jimmy Carr is a comedian who aims to shock.
“He should keep that kind of material for people who go to see his shows and not post it on social networking sites.
“It does nothing but hinder the work we do.”
“His comments are irresponsible, as tourism brings in £4.1 billion to the Scottish economy every year.
“I don’t think anyone believes Scotland is just heroin and shortbread – maybe he’s watched Trainspotting too many times.”
Carr’s Twitter page has almost 150,000 followers, and contains several other jabs at Scotland.
Beside a photo of Aberdeen’s sandy beach, he commented: “Hanging out by the beach – Yeah, pretty cool.
“It is in Aberdeen – but still.”
There is also a photo of Torness nuclear power station in East Lothian, accompanied by the comment: “Took this photo of a power station/nuclear weapons facility/whatever – anyone in North Korea following my tweet?”
Scottish tourism minister Jim Mather declined to comment on the matter, but a spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “Scotland is famed for stunning scenery, friendly people and modern culture. That reality is enjoyed by millions each year.”
James Lakie agreed, saying: “Scotland has some of the best scenery and visitor attractions in the world and we expect tourist numbers to be increasing this year.
“It is a fantastic tourist destination.”
