Hollywood star's daughter suing island charity over dog snub row says fallout is 'none of my business'
Not for profit Western Isles charity said it could face closure over legal action from Claire Kellerman - the adoptive daughter of the late actress, Sally Kellerman, who played Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in 1970 hit film, M*A*S*H.
A US woman who is taking legal action against a Western Isles community charity amid a dog rights of access row has said the collateral damage from the case is “none of my business,” and that it was “their choice.”
Claire Kellerman, the niece and adoptive daughter of the late actress, Sally Kellerman, who played the part of Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in Robert Altman's 1970 hit film, M*A*S*H, has raised a claim against the Bernera Community Association (BCA) regarding her dog allegedly being refused admission to a café it operates.
Ms Kellerman, who describes herself on LinkedIn as a one time regenerative farming community designer, said she had had disability since 2015 and that her dog, named Her dog, Lady Turquina Snowfire, was an assistance dog.
Her decision to take legal action against the not-for-profit charity has prompted widespread publicity and a backlash from politicians on the Western Isles, who have described it as “vexatious.”
But in an interview with Sky News, Ms Kellerman did not express any regret about the decision.
Asked if she was prepared to see the community facility close, she said that it was “not her business,” and that the collateral damage from the legal action was “none of my business” and that it was “their choice”.
She stressed she would “never be happy” to see such a centre shut its doors, adding: “I’ve never ever wished them anything but ‘May I please have a cup of tea in your cafe’ - that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
She said her dog was there to “help me with the things I have disability for,” explaining: “She’s my assistance dog for what I need her to do, and she’s been there by my side for four-and-a-half years, always here, always available, always attending to whatever I need, and if I go into too much detail, it’s something I don’t feel I need to do for anybody,” she told the broadcaster.
She added: “Do I want to take people to court? Absolutely not. Would I like to reconcile with some friendly moment - mutual compassion, mutual respect - it’s that energy of ostracising incomers, and even locals have told me that they’ve been shunned and banned, and they don’t fit the clique.”
In the wake of the legal action, for which Ms Kellerman is receiving legal aid, the BCA has launched a fundraising appeal. Those behind the charity said the potential repercussions of the case could see it close altogether.
The BCA was founded in 1973, and is run by volunteers who manage the community centre on Bernera, which serves as the central social hub for the island. It includes the café, as well as a community hall, doctors surgery, fire station, and a local museum.
According to its most recent accounts, the association had a net income before tax of just over £18,000 in the 12 months to 30 September 2025. The annual basic running cost of the community centre is around £25,000.
One member, Callum Macauley, told Sky News: “Legal fees are expensive and there’s no way around that. If the case goes on, it will be expensive and if we can’t insure this place, we can’t let people into it. If we can’t pay the bills, the building will shut down.”
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