A GOOD NEWS STORY Outer Hebrides; that awful vexatious woman after settlement money The fund-raising appeal by Bernera Community Association to help fight legal action raised by American Claire Kellerman has resulted in an “incredible” response and now sits at £177,000. ​The story of how legal aid was stupidly granted to Kellerman has attracted worldwide attention and raised questions as to how it could have been granted in the first place. [Some idiot's head should surely roll. Ed] Kellerman raised the action after her dog was refused entry to the community-run cafe. She first attempted to sue, wrongly, Bernera Community Trust, but when it was pointed out that the cafe was run by the Association and not the Trust she was allowed to transfer the action over, while still seemingly eligible for legal aid. Meanwhile, the Trust were still faced with legal fees of £7,000. However, it has resulted in a positive outcome, the tremendous response for the Association’s fund-raising appeal. Messages of support have arrived from people throughout the country and from right around the world, and we have received donations from people who simply want to see our community centre remain open. In a statement today (Monday), they said: “Over the past two weeks, we have been completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to us. Every donation, every message and every word of encouragement has helped remind us just how important this facility is to the community and how many people want to see it continue. “To everyone who has donated, shared our appeal and offered words of encouragement or simply taken the time to think of us - thank you.