Muir of Ord residents distance themselves from row whipped up by video posted in wake of Queen's death by proprietor of Jaki Fish and Chips
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
RESIDENTS proud of their Ross-shire village have distanced themselves from the international furore over a video “celebrating” the Queen’s death.
Just hours after the Queen’s death was confirmed last Thursday, social media footage showed Jaki Pickett of Jaki Fish and Chips in Muir of Ord popping a champagne cork and gleefully shouting 'Lizard Liz is dead'.
Ms Pickett is known locally for conspiracy theories espoused in her shop window.
The sensitive timing of the recording sparked an angry protest that evening with the eatery's windows pelted with eggs and tomato ketchup before police intervened.
The London-based Telegraph carried a comment piece titled: "The awful reason why the Scottish village of Muir of Ord is now known across the globe."
RELATED: Police probe damage to Ross-shire chipper
'No further action required' after major incident outside fish and chip shop
Ms Pickett's membership of the National Federation of Fish Friers was revoked.
Among locals prepared to comment publicly was construction firm contracts manager, Gary Tuach, who also runs Muir Sounds Discos and serves as a Muir of Ord Development Trust director.
Mr Tuach, who has lived in the village all his life, said: “I’ve always seen Jaki as quite eccentric, but when my wife Amy passed away she was very kind to us as a family.
“Her reaction on Thursday night was pretty disappointing. I’m a great believer in each to their own, but she overstepped the mark. It was not the sort of publicity we want or need for the village. We’re a thriving little place with a good community spirit.
"The reaction locally went too far with people smashing her windows, but it said a lot about how people feel. They weren't happy and they weren’t standing for it. It is all about respect, whatever your thoughts on the monarchy.”
David O’Connor, who runs accommodation at the old bank in Muir of Ord, said: “Think what you like about the Queen and the Royal Family, but if you strip it all away, an old lady died – a great-grandmother, a granny and a mother.
“These types of things can have a very negative impact on a small Highland community where many people are working hard to improve businesses and the attractiveness of the village.From one stupid act, the negativity is really damaging. Pretty much everyone I’ve spoken to is appalled.”
Local MSP Kate Forbes said the global reaction showed "how equally unwise and distasteful it was to publish such a video".
The resulting protests locally "show that this post does not speak for the Muir of Ord community – though I would urge all demonstrations to be peaceful".
Local independent councillor Sean Kennedy said: “Like most people, I was disgusted. While I am not against freedom of speech, this vile video should never have been aired on social media for the world to see.
“It not only blights the reputation of Muir of Ord, but the reputation of the whole of the Highlands. I have always been given ceud mile failte, one hundred thousand welcomes, whenever I have been in the Muir and this video in no way reflects on residents.”
Muir of Ord Community Council said: “We stand together with our community and do not condone the horrendous behaviour of a single individual.
“Neither do we condone the aggressive, hateful and abusive behaviour or language that followed this incident within our village or on social media. The individual in question is not a resident of our village, she operates a business from Muir of Ord.
“We truly believe that this should not reflect or affect, in any way, our law-abiding, self-respecting residents within our community.”
Ms Pickett was contacted for comment.
