Left-wing politician George Galloway has again ruffled feathers in Dundee after suggesting the city has only one tourist attraction.
Writing in his regular column for a national newspaper, the Respect Party MP struggled to recall visitor destinations in his home city.
He continued: ”Indeed, the Discovery Captain Scott’s old boat may be the only one. And please don’t send a list of the other gems I’m overlooking.”
His comments come only weeks after the MP for Bradford West said he was born in a slum in Lochee.
His latest remarks have provoked a strong response, including from Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.
He said: ”George said he didn’t want to be sent a list of other Dundee tourist attractions. Sorry, George, here’s a list McManus Galleries, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Science Centre, The Rep, Camperdown Park, Baxter Park, Broughty Ferry Blue flag beach, the Mills Observatory, Verdant Works, two public golf courses and of course HMS Unicorn as well as the RRS Discovery, to name just a few local attractions.
”But our V&A Museum will be the jewel in the crown of tourist attractions when it opens, not just for Dundee but for the whole of Scotland.”
Although the RRS Discovery is an iconic landmark it is by no means the only one. The city is home to the UK’s only full-time public observatory and £12 million has been spent on rejuvenating the McManus Art Gallery and Museum.
Another popular stop on the tourist trail is the award winning Verdant Works one of the nation’s most important textile museums.
Mark Munsie, operations director of the Dundee Heritage Trust which is responsible for Verdant Works and Discovery Point, was left bemused by Mr Galloway’s remarks.
”I think this is George just being George he tends to be on the provocative side,” he said. ”I am of course delighted that he recognised Discovery Point as one of the city’s top attractions but Dundee has a lot more to it than that.
”What we should do is send an invite to him offering a free tour of Verdant Works and maybe we can change his mind.”
Despite this Mr Galloway, who stands by his comments, was unaware of the textile museum and said: ”If there are any other devastating attractions which I know nothing about I would be happy to visit them.”
Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland’s regional director for Dundee, also disputed any suggestion that the city has a lack of visitor attractions.
He said: ”Dundee is perfect for a city break, offering an ideal array of attractions, dining options and entertainment, particularly in this the Year of Creative Scotland.
”Discovery is just one of many reasons to visit this fantastic city and the upcoming V&A museum is set to be a real jewel in Scotland’s tourism crown.”
Photo by Dave Thompson/PA Wire