The adopted daughter of the late MAS*H actress Sally Kellerman is embroiled in a dispute with two community groups on the remote Scottish island of Great Bernera, a tiny Hebridean outcrop with a population of 250.
Claire Kellerman, 62, who describes herself as a mystic healer and songwriter, is being sued by the owners of a local cafe, a community-run charity, over claims her Australian cattle dog, Tarkina, is an assistance dog. Kellerman alleges she is being discriminated against as a disabled person. She is receiving legal aid for her case, which is set to be heard at Stornoway Sheriff Court next year.
The incident reportedly occurred last summer when Kellerman attempted to bring Tarkina into the Bernera Community Association cafe. She claims she was told the dog was not welcome, despite asserting it was an assistance dog. When no apology was forthcoming, she initiated legal action under the Equality Act of 2010.
Local residents and shopkeepers have a different account, describing Kellerman as "rude," "aggressive," and "threatening." Some fear legal repercussions, with one shopkeeper stating, "I'm just petrified of her, I'm petrified of what she is capable of doing, legally wise."
Kellerman, the adopted daughter of Sally Kellerman, who famously portrayed Major 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the 1970 film MAS*H, dismisses these characterizations. She maintains she is a "caring, loving woman who is being targeted" and that her dog is "there to support me."
Adding to the complexity, lawyers for Kellerman initially sued the wrong company, the Great Bernera Community Development Trust, which incurred £7,500 in legal costs defending itself. Although successful in court, the trust could not recover its expenses from Kellerman due to her legal aid status.
Both the Great Bernera Community Development Trust and the Bernera Community Association are now facing potential financial ruin. The BCA's fundraiser has reached over £20,000, but estimates suggest it could need up to £120,000 to cover potential legal bills.
Donald MacKinnon, a Scottish Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament, has urged the Scottish Legal Aid Board to review the decision to grant Kellerman legal aid, citing the "potentially devastating" impact on the BCA. The board stated the application was handled "in line with all legal aid rules and guidance."
Kellerman stated that there is no UK register for assistance dogs, making it difficult to distinguish them from pets, and reiterated that "a person doesn't have to look disabled to be disabled." She claims her disability stems from severe childhood trauma and past abuse.
Kellerman's personal history includes her birth to Sally Kellerman's sister, Diana, who gave her up at age five. Her father was Scottish academic Ian Graham. Diana later entered a lesbian relationship, and Claire was adopted by her aunt, Sally Kellerman, and her husband. Her adoptive father died when she was nearly 11, and she later experienced further family loss, including the death of her stepsister, Hannah, from a drug overdose. Her adoptive mother, Sally Kellerman, passed away four years ago. Claire Kellerman acknowledges a complex family life, stating, "Loss had defined her young life."