Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame has reacted with anger to comments made by the Laird of Torwoodlee during the Gala Braw Lads’ Gathering.
Ms Grahame said she is appalled by James Pringle’s allegation – made in his speech during the Torwoodlee rideout – that the event may not happen if Scotland votes Yes in September’s referendum.
She said:“The no campaign must be desperate when they have a privileged member of the aristocracy telling us that the Braw Lads’ Gathering would be at risk if Scotland were independent.
“I am appalled not only at his scaremongering but at his politicising this community celebration. Imagine if someone from the Yes campaign had done the same! But as a member of the privileged aristocracy, I expect he thinks he still has serfs who will doff their caps to him.
“His intervention can only help us win independence. The days are well past when toffs try to tell us what to do.”