Britain’s most remote pub cancels Harry Potter night over backlash

Britain’s most remote pub has cancelled a Harry Potter themed Halloween night in Lochaber after staff were subjected to “inappropriate grief”.

The Old Forge in Inverie, on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, said the event was planned as “just a fun night” but had subsequently “proved dividing.”

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has received both criticism and support for her strong gender critical views.

The pub, which can only be accessed by foot or boat, said any upset caused by the themed night was “certainly unintentional.”

In a social media post, the pub said: “It was always meant to be just a fun night, but unfortunately using Harry Potter as a theme has proven dividing, and some of our staff have received inappropriate grief as a result.

“We thought it was clear how we feel about everyone’s rights, especially given our recent support for the amazing Knoydart Pride celebrations – we had also planned a collection for trans youth on the night.”

The pub said it wanted to reiterate that it cared about “everyone in our community.”

It added: “We would ask folk to be kind and respectful to each other and our staff.

“Should anyone have an issue, please reach out to the management committee direct through appropriate formal channels.”

The Old Forge declined to make any further comment when contacted by BBC Scotland News.

Residents in the Knoydart Peninsula village bought The Old Forge in March 2022.

The only way of reaching the village and its pub is by walking 18 miles (29km) or making a seven-mile (11km) sea crossing.

Inverie is home to roughly 130 people, and about 70 of them are shareholders of the pub.

Many helped to raise £1m in donations and grants to buy and refurbish the pub.