Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety 

Dear Mr Kyle

Thank you for your email of the 26 November to the First Minister and your emails of 28 November to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture and myself, inviting us to attend a performance of the anti-sectarian play "Singin I'm No a Billy He's a Tim". Work to tackle sectarianism falls within my portfolio and I am therefore responding as the lead Minister in this area.

The Scottish Government recognises that initiatives based on cultural activities, such as this play, are useful tools for sending strong messages about tackling intolerance and challenging attitudes and beliefs. I regret that I will have to decline the offer, but wish your tour every success and am pleased that you recognise that you are able to play a positive role in eradicating sectarianism from Scotland once and for all.

Yours Sincerely

Fergus Ewing