Free Speech vs Trans Activism


I've written to Sir Drummond Bone, Chair of the National Library of Scotland (NLS) over the vindictive decision to withdraw 'The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht' from the library's centenary exhibition.

Public money should not be given to public institutions if they behave in this intolerant way - I've already drafted my FoI request to the NLS chief executive, Amina Shah.

Dear Sir Drummond Bone

National Library of Library and 'The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht'

I have been following events at the National Library of Scotland and the astonishing decision to withdraw 'The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht' from the library's centenary exhibition.

As you know, the book was originally included in the centenary exhibits after a public consultation exercise, but was subsequently pulled after pressure from 'stakeholders' reportedly to avoid a backlash from an internal LGBTQI+ network which threatened to withdraw its support for the event.

To my mind this is cowardly behaviour - shameless bullying by faceless, nameless people and the board of NLS should now do the right thing by reconsidering its position and reinstating The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht.

I plan to submit a separate FoI request to the Chief Executive, Amina Shah, to ask for further details of the LGBTQI+ network at NLS, but I would join any campaign which stands up to this dreadful intolerance and small-minded behaviour.

The National Library of Scotland has a duty to safeguard the wider public interest and should certainly not be pandering to pressure groups who use blackmail and bullying tactics to get their way.

Kind regards


Mark Irvine

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