A COUNCILLOR has voiced his support for Barrhead Travel in the wake of a recent boycott saga.

Neilston, Uplawmoor and Newton Mearns North cllr Tony Buchanan is giving his full backing to the travel company after Glasgow Shettleston MSP John Mason announced he now refuses to use the firm.

Mr Mason cited founder Bill Munro's decision to support a No vote in the 2014 independence referendum as his reason for doing so as he wrote of his decision on Twitter.

The tweet sparked a frenzy both on social media and in the national press.

Ahead of the referendum, Mr Munro wrote a memo to staff, which was subsequently leaked on the internet, in which he described independence as a "disaster".

In a tweet written on August 1, Mr Mason said: "I'm boycotting Barrhead Travel as they're on the No side."

After he was challenged over the comment, Mr Mason replied: "Sensible companies stayed neutral about the independence referendum."

Now SNP cllr Buchanan, convenor for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, has spoken out in defence of the company which employs hundreds of people all across the United Kingdom.

Cllr Buchanan admitted that, though he was disheartened with the stance Mr Mason had taken, he believes certain sections of the media have tried to blow the incident way out of proportion.

He said: "It is disappointing, I don't agree with the comments. I'm supportive of all businesses in Barrhead and across East Renfrewshire because that's the heart of our economy.

"Barrhead Travel is a great company, they've been great for Barrhead, they employ a lot of people and ultimately that is great for Scotland.

"Some of the press are trying to make the most of something that really isn't a great deal. I didn't really think very much of it, I obviously can't speak for John Mason, but there's no official boycott.

"It's an important company for the town and it's a company I've used in the past so, to my mind, the idea of a boycott isn't practical or feasible and does nobody any good."

A spokeswoman for Barrhead Travel said: "We are delighted to hear Tony’s positive comments about Barrhead Travel.

"Barrhead Travel is delighted to be doing business in Scotland. The company contributes enormously to the Scottish economy and provides employment for over 800 staff based in Scotland.

"Barrhead Travel continues to expand and is about to open a new training academy in a standalone facility based in Glasgow city centre, providing more opportunities for around 100 young Scots to enter the workplace each year."