Bakehouse in Highland capital targeted by hate crime as Pride flag ripped down

The staff of an LGBTQ+ owned bakehouse in the Highland capital have been left feeling 'bitterly disappointed and upset' after being the target of homophobic hate crime.

Xoko had its Pride flag purposely ripped off from outside its doors last night and over the last three months has been subject to a series of spitting incidents onto its building.

This comes after the cafe, based on Bridge Street has spent the last month celebrating Pride with an exhibition, and flying the Pride flag outside.

Owner Tristan Aitchison said tearfully: "It is very upsetting and it makes me so angry. It's bitterly disappointing that this has happened as we had a great Pride month, without the flag being taken down.

"This is meant to be a safe place for the people who come here and who work here – we are going to have to install CCTV outside."

PICTURES: Coffee shop set to celebrate Pride with exhibition

The incidents are being investigated by the police and Xoko has already ordered another flag which it plans to display up until Inverness Pride March on July 22.
Tristan added: "People say 'what's the point in marches, Pride and flags', but this is proof that discrimination still happens."

Ró Ó Headhra a server at the cafe who has worked at XOKO since it opened, spoke about their frustration at the incident.
They said: "It's kind of a reality check. I generally find Inverness a good city which is supportive so you forget that there are people out there who would do this.

"It is shocking. You think we've moved on from this, but people are still doing things like they have.

"I feel safe in Xoko so to hear what has happened is awful.

"We do have to remember this is not the usual for here.

"The fight isn't over yet - this is why we have Pride march to show that everything is not peachy."

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