Two Edinburgh pub owners who designed a bridge mural in support of the LGBTQ+ community after their business fell victim to homophobic graffiti during Pride Month in 2021, have opened up about the abuse they have faced since its creation.
Toby Saltonstall, who owns the Dreadnought Bar in Leith with his partner Róisín Thérèse, took to Facebook to explain how they have faced vandalism and personal attacks with a heartfelt post.
He wrote: "Róisín and I have been taking a reasonable amount of heat recently for the Pride Bridge on social media and, on occasion, in person.
READ MORE - Radford family's 'war of words' kids who moved on and those who won't appear on show
"We get a lot of s**t on Twitter, a bit through Instagram and Facebook, and the odd DM here and there. We generally ignore them.
"On top of that, the pub has sustained an increased level of vandalism recently. As many of you will have seen, the front door has been smashed (again). We're seeing much more graffiti in and around the pub. Homophobic graffiti on the bridge, which we've covered up. Posters pulled down in the bathrooms. All reasonably low-level stuff."
However, the frustrated but defiant pub owner then revealed that the attacks had become a bit more personal since then, adding: "This morning I came down to find my car tyres had been slashed. Just mine.
"I suspect folk are hoping we'll be cowed by this stuff. We've been finding going pretty tough anyway lately, as everyone in the trade has. You may have noticed I've not been posting much. I'm pretty knackered and motivation has been low.
"So to the folks who are taking a pop at us, I'd just like to say a big, big thank you for giving me my motivation back."
Toby then spoke about their plans to move the business towards community ownership, which stalled due to COVID in 2019, stating that at the time he refused to ask people to invest if the business wasn't financially sound.
But added that due to things "settling down", they are now doing it.
"The ultimate aim is to get more folk involved in the business," he explained. "and continue to provide a safe socialising space, support independent breweries, and raise lots of money for causes that the bigots hate. If that sounds up your street, watch this space."
Fans of the pub were quick to show their support for the pair, not just due to the abuse but also with their plans to open up the ownership of the pub to others.
One wrote: "I’m so sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. I’ve actually never been to Dreadnought. Next night out I organise - guess where we’re coming! Solidarity!"
While another added: "Horrible folks. Really sorry to hear this. Know that what you do to make a safe space for people is really appreciated."
Others were also excited to discover more about their future plans: "So glad your motivation is back with a bang, how foolish of them to think that they can squash you. Can't wait to hear more about the plans for the future."
READ MORE:
Fun Edinburgh Easter activities and events for kids and families to enjoy
The underrated Edinburgh spot just named on Scotland's 'most picturesque' list
Edinburgh's five Michelin star restaurants and how much it costs to eat at them
I spent a day in Scotland's 'best place to live' to find out what makes it special
The underrated Edinburgh spot just named on Scotland's 'most picturesque' list
