Woman charged after viral video of taxi driver being racially abused in Inverness

A woman has been charged after a video of a taxi driver being racially abused by a passenger in Inverness went viral.

After the footage gained attention on social media on Tuesday evening, Police Scotland confirmed it was investigating and looking for those involved.

The alleged hate crime incident took place in a city taxi at around 11.20pm on Saturday, a spokesperson for the force said.

On Wednesday afternoon, officers said a 59-year-old woman had been charged in connection with the incident.

Anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card Scotland told STV News the racist abuse suffered by the taxi driver was saddening but not surprising.

“This type of ‘everyday’ racism is happening right across the country,” a spokesperson said.

“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 dignity and decorum shown by the driver should be an example to us all.”

STV News has contacted the Scottish Taxi Federation for comment.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers have carried out enquiries into a video that has been circulating on social media of a hate crime incident which took place in a taxi in Inverness around 11.20pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

“A 59-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the incident and will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

“Any type of hate crime is completely unacceptable and this type of abuse will not be tolerated. Incidents can be reported to police by contacting 101 or this website.”