{"id":761514,"date":"2026-09-06T04:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T04:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/761514\/"},"modified":"2026-09-06T04:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T04:18:16","slug":"island-cafe-speaks-out-amid-dog-ban-legal-battle-with-us-woman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/761514\/","title":{"rendered":"Island cafe speaks out amid dog-ban legal battle with US woman"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Last month, Claire Kellerman launched legal action against two community organisations<\/a> in the Outer Hebrides over a row about her dog not being allowed into a cafe.\n<\/p>\n

\n Kellerman, who moved to Lewis from California in 2023, is looking for \u00a310,000 in a legal claim after she was last year refused permission to bring her dog into the Bernera Community Cafe.\n<\/p>\n

\n Claire Kellerman (Image: Supplied)\n<\/p>\n

\n Lawyers initially launched a court challenge against the Bernera Development Trust, which ran up legal costs of more than \u00a37000<\/a>, before admitting in court that the action was directed against the wrong organisation.\n<\/p>\n

\n A claim has now been brought against the Bernera Community Association, the voluntary group that runs the cafe, with both organisations warning that they face financial ruin as a result.\n<\/p>\n

\n READ MORE: Labour peer resigns from law centre over dog-ban legal row<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n The owner of a cafe in Stornoway has now spoken out, claiming they have also been subject to legal threats by Kellerman.\n<\/p>\n

\n The Blue Lobster, located by the waterfront, said it had been “having some bother with a certain someone” for the “past few years” which has damaged the business<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n

\n The cafe, which is owned by Jane Macritchie and her husband Innes, said they felt “shocked, saddened and disgusted” in a post on social media on Friday.\n<\/p>\n

\n It is understood Kellerman has not launched legal action against the cafe, although the cafe claimed she has been “threatening” litigation.\n<\/p>\n

\n In a statement on Instagram<\/a>, the cafe’s owner wrote: “We’ve been having some bother with a certain someone, for the past few years really.\n<\/p>\n

\n “We didn’t shout about it because I hoped it would go away.\n<\/p>\n

\n “However, sadly it has reared its ugly head again, words have been printed online that have been really damaging to me and my team and business.”\n<\/p>\n

\n The statement continued: “Circumstances are very difficult and I just want you to know that we do actually welcome service dogs, with open arms, also we welcome people with disabilities and would never ask questions.\n<\/p>\n

\n “We don’t want you to feel unwelcome, we love you all and we want to reassure you all that we are doing the best we can to make sure the person in question will never enter our shop again.\n<\/p>\n

\n “We cannot stop what lies are told but if you know us, you know what to believe.”\n<\/p>\n

\n READ MORE: US woman in island dog-ban legal battle speaks out again in Sky News interview<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n The post added: “I am genuinely shocked, saddened and disgusted by the words that have been said.\n<\/p>\n

\n “I can only apologise to my team and customers who have been witness lately and appreciate all their support. Fingers crossed it will end soon.\n<\/p>\n

\n “Thank you for all your support.”\n<\/p>\n

\n Kellerman has been approached for comment.\n<\/p>\n