Sally Kellerman's daughter refuses to leave Scottish island in assistance dog row
Sally Kellerman’s adopted daughter Claire Kellerman is embroiled in a legal dispute on Scotland’s Great Bernera over her Australian cattle dog, which she says is an assistance animal. She has sued a community-run cafe under the Equality Act, while local groups face mounting legal bills. Kellerman calls the backlash a “witch hunt” and insists, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Claire Kellerman, the adopted daughter of late MASH actress Sally Kellerman, is embroiled in a legal dispute on a remote Scottish island after suing a community-run café for allegedly discriminating against her assistance dog, Tarkina. Kellerman, 62, moved to the Hebridean island of Great Bernera in 2023, seeking a quieter life after a difficult personal history.
The conflict began when she attempted to bring her Australian cattle dog into a café operated by the Bernera Community Association, which prohibits dogs inside. Kellerman claims Tarkina is an assistance dog, while staff told her dogs were not allowed. Kellerman has since brought a legal action under the Equality Act 2010, alleging discrimination.
Two local community organisations, the Great Bernera Community Development Trust and the Bernera Community Association, are now facing mounting legal costs. The situation has drawn attention from local politicians, with Scottish Labour MSP Donald MacKinnon calling for a review of the decision to grant Kellerman legal aid.
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