Tears of a clown as Bubbles vents anger at 'terrorists' in creepy clown craze
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A LEADING children’s entertainer has denounced creepy clowns causing fear and nuisance across Inverness as "terrorists".
Nairn-based David Dunn, who performs across the Highlands as Bubbles the clown, is furious at the craze that sees people donning scary clown masks to frighten people by jumping out on them from trees and bushes.
"As far as I’m concerned that’s exactly what they are – terrorists," he said. "Bringing terror into people’s lives is the exact opposite of what clowns are supposed to be about, which is fun and joy."
Although the craze, which appears to have begun in America before reaching Britain via social media, hasn’t yet had an impact on his business, David says that is a worry.
"I did do a wedding the other day where one guest asked if he turned his back on me would I attack him," he said. "I assume he was joking, but it shows where people’s thinking is at the moment.
"I do all kinds of events as well as children’s parties, but you do wonder if, on that side of things in particular, this might have an impact."
David (52) has been a professional clown for the past 21 years and says the best part of his job is "seeing people laugh".
"I have been invited to Raigmore Hospital, for example, to do shows for children who are really poorly, and to hear a mum saying afterwards ‘I never thought I’d see my kid laugh again’, is why you do this job. All this other stuff is just nonsense, and the sooner people get over it the better."
Meanwhile, in the run-up to Halloween, horror clown masks and costumes remain widely available online, with Amazon selling versions for between £8 and £40. Even supermarket giant Asda is selling a scary Teen Jester outfit for £15.
Traders in Inverness are also continuing to sell outfits, with many versions available at the Hollywood store in the Victorian Market, the Happy Halloween pop-up shop in Union Street and Halloween HQ in the Eastgate. Allof them insisted they had seen no rise in demand following press coverage of the creepy clown phenomenon.
At Happy Halloween, store assistant Kieran said: "I know it has been all over social media, but in the store we haven’t really seen any difference at all in demand.
"We’ve been in this shop for six years now and it’s been business as usual so far this time round."
Similarly at the Hollywood costume store, Carrie said: "To be honest we’ve sold a lot less than I expected given the way the clown thing has been all over the news.
"The biggest request we’ve been getting is for Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad film. That’s a clown-like character but I think it’s more the character from the film that people are interested in, not the fact that it’s a clown.
"I think schools are now saying they don’t want kids in clown costumes, and that will mean it’s not going to be a popular choice anyway."
As the Courier reported on Tuesday, the rector of Inverness Royal Academy, Nigel Engstrand, asked staff to make clear that clown costumes will not be permitted at this year’s S1 Halloween Disco.
There have been multiple sightings of people wearing horror clown masks across Inverness, including in the city centre, the Ness Islands, Culduthel and Milton of Leys.
Superintendent David Duncan of Police Scotland said: "The reports which have been made to police officers are being investigated and do not specifically involve threats or violence.
"However, anyone seeking to cause distress and potential harm should be aware that police will take action. If anyone has concerns they should report the matter to us."
