Castle banishes blue-look after Twitter storm
● Autism support sparks backlash ● Chiefs praised for swift action
Edinburgh Castle bosses have been forced to reverse plans to light up blue today in support of a campaign by the controversial, Us-based group Autism Speaks.
The move came after a backlash on Twitter prompted a rethink by senior management, and the Castle will now be lit up purple instead to mark neuro-diversity.
The Autism Speaks organisation has caused outrage in the past for describing the condition as an “unmitigated disaster for families” and campaigning for a cure.
Senior management at Edinburgh Castle have been forced into an embarrassing change of plans after public outrage over a charity partner.
The famous landmark had initially planned to light up blue today in support of an awareness campaign by controversial Us-based Autism Speaks.
But a backlash on Twitter prompted a hasty rethink yesterday, with the fortress to be lit up purple instead – to mark neurodiversity.
“Just seen that Autism Speaks thinks @edinburghcastle is ‘lighting it up blue’ on the 2nd of April,” one Twitter user wrote.
“No, Edinburgh Castle. No, no, no. Autism Speaks is a hate organisation; every instance of #Lightitupblue is an attack on the autistic community. It’s not too late to go #Redinstead.”
The Autism Speaks organisation has caused outrage in the past for describing the condition as an “unmitigated disaster for families” and campaigning for a cure.
Opponents argued such a stance stigmatised those with autism and called for quality services to help them live independent lives instead.
Set up by US grandparents of a child with autism in 2005 with a massive donation from billionaire Bernie Marcus, the charity has also sparked controversy over its finances.
In 2009, the Disability Scoop website revealed its chief science officer, Geri Dawson, was paid more than £470,000.
Edinburgh Castle chiefs drew praise from autism campaign supporters on social media for their swift action in dropping the Light It Up Blue campaign.
A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland, which runs the castle, said: “Following feedback we received from the public, the Edinburgh Castle team reviewed the lighting request from Autism Speaks. We always aim to be inclusive for our staff and visitors and on that basis the castle will be lit purple as a symbol of neurodiversity.”
An Autism Speaks spokeswoman said: “The Light It Up Blue campaign promotes understanding and acceptance of people all across the vast autism spectrum, each of whom has a unique story to tell.”