A shocking video of the racist abuse hurled at an Inverness taxi driver has been shared online.
The two-minute clip was filmed by the driver, who appears to have started recording when his passenger refused to pay her fare.
The clip starts as she is mid-way through a racist rant, calling the man – who remains calm throughout – a “parasite”.
The driver works for City Taxis in Inverness. The woman’s identity is unknown.
The video has been viewed more than 1.7million times on X, formerly Twitter.
She tells him to get back to his own country while swearing at him.
The taxi driver remains completely calm, simply saying “uh huh”, “wow” and even “dearie me” at one point. He also confirms to the woman that he is Scottish.
‘The coppers like me’
After being asked if she has anything else to say, the woman – who is also vaping in the back seat – demands to be let out or she’ll “set fire to the car”.
He responds: “I’m taking you to the police station and the police can decide what to do.”
She replies: “Good luck to you, because the coppers like me – they won’t like a parasite like you.”
The woman begins kicking the back of his seat, and says he has “prisonered” her in the back of the cab.
He again tells her: “I’m taking you to the police station because you have refused to pay me.”
She tells the driver she will run-off, and then changes tact – threatening to tell officers the driver “tried it on” with her because she wouldn’t pay.
The driver tells the woman that she is on the camera, while calmly asking if she has anything more to say.
Driver not pressing charges
A spokeswoman for City Taxis said the driver had chosen not to press charges for “religious reasons”.
However, police have now charged a 59-year-old woman after making their own investigations.
Highland councillor Duncan Macpherson, a member of the council’s taxi licensing committee, said: “There is a code of practice and standards that taxi drivers have to adhere to.
“They work in often very challenging situations, especially when people are intoxicated through drink or drugs. This is an unedifying moment for Inverness. The public reaction is not surprising due to the abhorrent nature of the passenger in the video.
“With everything being done in the city and area to promote it as a destination, it is desperately disappointing.
“I would reassure visitors that this video is in no way a reflection of Inverness. Inverness is a multicultural place – and we all need to embrace that.”
Chief Inspector Judy Hill said: “Any type of hate crime is completely unacceptable and this type of abuse will not be tolerated.”
Billy Singh, from Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland, said: “Show Racism the Red Card are both angry and sad at the racist abuse suffered by the taxi driver. But we are not surprised.
“This type of ‘everyday’ racism is happening right across the country. From taxi drivers to fast food workers, school kids to NHS staff, the racism that people have to suffer on a daily basis is horrendous.”
The Scottish Government said they cannot comment on an active investigation.
But a spokesman added: “More generally, the Scottish Government unequivocally condemns any form of racism, hatred or prejudice.
“Racism in all its forms, as well as acts perpetrated on the basis of hatred and prejudice is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We must all play our part in challenging such behaviour and attitudes.”
Mass condemnation on X
On social media, comedian Janey Godley – who was previously accused of using racist language – said: “That’s utterly horrific and sending solidarity to your family.”
MizLNicTeàrlach posted: “That poor man. Hope she is dealt with severely, not just for the racism but for her threats to falsely report him for sexual harassment.”
Maria Coleman wrote: “Shocking to hear this abuse. The man was so calm. I hope that horrible person gets the book thrown at her.”
And MoKaStHa commented: “My heart rate is up just watching this – that poor man.
“The racist language is awful enough. Goading. But the threat to falsely accuse him…! I knew racism existed in Scotland but to hear the worst racism I’ve ever heard – by far – in the Highlands.”
