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Claire Kellerman faces Bernera Community Association with legal action over dog admission at cafe

Claire Kellerman has initiated a legal challenge against the Bernera Community Association, seeking £10,000 after being refused permission to bring her dog into the volunteer-run Bernera Community Cafe. The dispute began when Kellerman, an American woman who moved to Lewis from California, initially sued the wrong organization, the Bernera Community Development Trust, which incurred over £7000 in legal costs. The Bernera Community Association now faces potential bankruptcy as legal fees continue to mount. While Kellerman is protected from paying costs under the civil legal aid scheme, the Scottish Legal Aid Board has defended its decision to continue funding her case. However, Donald Mackinnon MSP has requested an urgent review of the public funding, questioning the reasonableness of the legal aid certificate being transferred to the revised action. Local business owners have expressed concern over Kellerman's demanding behavior, noting that her legal actions could set a precedent for other small businesses on the island.

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