Scotland's most remote pub The Old Forge cancels Harry Potter party after staff recieve 'grief'

The most remote pub in mainland Britain has been forced to cancel a Harry Potter-themed Halloween night after staff received “inappropriate grief.”

The Old Forge in Inverie took to social media on Monday to reveal that the planned event was meant to be a “fun night” but had proved “dividing”.

In a social media post, a statement read: “The pub management team has decided to cancel this year’s Halloween dinner party.

“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 of the amazing Knoydart Pride celebrations – we had also planned a charity collection for trans youth on the night. Any upset caused by our theme choice was most certainly unintentional.”

The author of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling, has been outspoken over her gender critical views.

The Old Forge Pub is only accessable by sea ferry or an 18-mile hike across the Scottish Highlands.

The pub was brought under community ownership in March 2022 by The Old Forge Community Benefit Society (CBS) after being run for a decade by its previous owner.

The Old Forge reiterated that it cared about “everyone in the community” and that it would continue to host a children’s party from 5pm.

“We will continue to host a kids party in the Wee Bar from 5pm, but all other service that day will be as normal including in the restaurant.

“Finally we would just like to reiterate that the pub cares about everyone in our community, and 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 directly through appropriate formal channels.”