Hi Simon,

It was good to meet you and the family again at Whitby, and I know that you have many friends there who enjoyed your music. I know that you are a peaceful man, and I think you are fully justified in being angry at some of the hurtful criticism expressed here. It is also very unfair for others to complain at your reply and to lecture you on your manners or accuse you or threatening violence.

You and the family will, I hope, always be welcome at Whitby. I heard your boys playing by the bridge, and I think they have a great future as pipers, while Winnie-Marie, Bridget and Margaret have already shown on TV that they have got talent! If some people don't enjoy listening to you, then that is their loss and really that should be an end to it. I'm sorry that you should have had to endure those remarks, but it is only the opinion of one person. Many others of us deeply respect what you do and the traditions you carry with you.

I hope that one day you will meet your critics in musical friendship, and that they will understand better where you are coming from, but in the meantime keep on playing as you are. Good luck!

Matthew