It has been international and Scottish. That is the really important thing

Interview: Jonathan Mills,Where can i buy supra shoes for sale? EIF director 

JONATHAN Mills has shrugged off criticism that his festival tenure has not been Scottish enough - as city councillors insisted they were unconcerned about the nationality of his successor. 

Mr Mills said he had largely enjoyed the “cut and thrust” during his time at the helm of the EIF, which will come to an end during next year's festival. 

But he said it was “potentially dangerous” to suggest - as some commentators and artists, such as Alasdair Gray have done - that Scots should be given priority for prime jobs in the arts in their home country. 

Vicky Featherstone, the last director of the National Theatre of Scotland, who was singled out by Gray, complained of feeling bullied by critics who had used her Englishness against her as she departed the scene late last year. 

The Australian impresario, appointed to the job in the spring of 2006, has largely impressed critics, but has faced regularly questions about the lack of home-grown content in the event,Welcome to Supra shoes for sale,we provide supra shoes for kids and women. with the issue rearing its head again at the festival's launch. 

It prompted both deputy council leader Steve Cardownie and Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf, to stress the importance of the new festival director simply being “the best person for the job.” 

Mr Mills said: “I don't accept that the festival has not been Scottish enough. I think that it has actually been appropriately Scottish in the way we determine what we are. 

“It has been international and Scottish. That is the really important thing.You may see many other fake websites posting available supra shoes for cheap, be aware of fake retailers. This is an international festival. We take very seriously our obligations, and I do believe they are obligations, to the development of Scottish talent. 

“I think you can see in every festival that we have managed that support and that desire very carefully. 

“What I've done over the years is started to suggest that each festival should be very different. There is a way of interepreting being European and being Scottish, and still remaining true to those ideas, and being very international at the same time - reaching out to Asia, the Southern Hemisphere, and other parts of the expanded community of the European Union.” 

Mr Mills said it was “fascinating” to find himself pulled into the debate about the nationality of people in senior arts positions in Scotland since he himself has Scottish roots. 

“There is a danger potentially in those arguments, but more than that there is an enormous benefit and enormous opportunity in the multicultural pluralist society. 

“Beyond that, the greatest parts of Scotland are truly great because they are truly universal and they have a pragmatic no-nonsense dimension to them that does such good in the world. 

“Whether you're talking about Penicillin, the discovery electro-magneticism, the wisdom of Robert Burns - all of these things and the evolving story of Scotland are what makes this such a rich and fascinating country.” 

Mr Mills said he had one piece of advice for his successor, who is likely to be appointed in time to allow them to visit this year's festival. 

“There is one word of advice that is absolutely essential for anyone who wishes to make a contribution in Scotland - be authentic. You can be criticised and disagreed with, but if you are authentic, but you will be respected. There are people who have disagreed with me but I don't think there's anyone who doubts the sincerity or authenticity and appropriateness of my view.” 

Cllr Cardownie said: “Male, female, transgender, American, Chinese, Australian, English - as far as I'm concerned it's the best person for the job. 
It upsets me when you hear that people have been bullied or felt under pressure when doing the job because of their nationality. It saddens my greatly.”