Carbisdale Castle chatelaine condemns 'campaign of bullying' amid claims of transphobia
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Carbisdale Castle owner Samantha Kane is calling for the Ardgay community to move forward after what she describes as a "wholesale dehumanisation" in a letter to Ardgay & District Community Council (A&DCC).
In the letter, the self-styled Lady Carbisdale claims she has been the subject of a "campaign of bullying" including claims of transphobia during her most recent attempt to acquire 7.1 acres of land around three sides of the castle.
Her correspondence follows an announcement from A&DCC on social media confirming that 'several' complaints had been made after a land buy-out meeting in November, when a third proposal from Ms Kane was rejected by its members. The group did not confirm the nature of the complaints, but said it is taking them 'seriously'.
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Ms Kane approached Forestry & Land Scotland (FLS) earlier this year regarding the acquisition of 16 acres of land, but has twice scaled back her proposals due to community concerns about access and the loss of public ground.
She previously stated that acquiring the land was "vital for the future success of the castle".
The 20-bedroom mansion near Ardgay was sold to London barrister and property tycoon Ms Kane, in October last year.
Upon its purchase, she said she planned to "breathe new life" into the property, to "ensure that its incredible historical value can co-exist alongside new contributions to the prosperity of the local area".
After public debate and discussion, the four A&DCC members present an extraordinary meeting in Bonar Bridge on November 21 voted unanimously not to support the application to allow the transfer of ownership of the land.
A woman was later reported to police in relation to a disturbance in Ardgay, which it is understood followed the extraordinary meeting.
In her letter to A&DCC, Ms Kane stated: "I tolerate some degree of disrespect because of who I am, however, here in the Highlands, this has been taken to another level.
"Hate, orchestrated by one or two members of the community, has spread to the entire community, by reason of the clannishness endemic therein, allegiance between friends, and vulnerable people who are unable to dissent precisely because of their vulnerability.
"This has been exhibited by the wholesale dehumanisation of me and complete disregard of my feelings by referring to me by the neuter 'it' or the masculine 'he,' instead of 'she'."
Ms Kane said she believes she has been the subject of a conspiracy to cause "economic harm" to her business and to herself through harassment and "bullying". She cited one example of "openly laughing at and ridiculing" her, while also using the term 'he' to "provoke a reaction" after her latest bid was knocked back.
She continued to state that since the meeting, a campaign of bullying through social media has resulted in "complete disrespect" of her "whenever (she is) encountered".
Ms Kane added: "I am a valuable member of the council, given my training as a barrister; and given that membership of the community council ought to represent a variety of views and backgrounds; and given that it was highly undemocratic that at least two of the members of the council joined by invitation of the chairperson, it is essential that the council is balanced, and my views are heard.
"I suggest we move forward – now that our respective views have been aired – by refraining from publishing on the council's Facebook page any issues in relation to the castle or myself, removing the pages in relation thereto; and continue with council business with mutual respect, ensuring the rights of LGBT members and those of vulnerable members of the community are respected and protected, as I do not wish anyone else to suffer what I have suffered."
