Survivors hailed at abuse inquiry

TRIBUTES have been paid to the “candour and courage” of w it nesses who gave ev idence of abuse t hey suffered while in residential childcare.

The comments came from lawyers for Quarriers, Aberlour and Barnardo’s during closing statements of the latest phase of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry yesterday.

Each organisation also offered apologies to those who suffered while in their care.

Witnesses have previously described routine beatings, emotional abuse and sexual assaults.

Some have told of physical and mental scars that remain.

Kate Dowdalls QC, representing Quarriers, said: “During this case study, former Quarriers residents have come forward to describe events that are deeply personal and often distressing.

“Quarriers is grateful to them for their candour and courage.”

Gordon Jackson QC, representing Barnardo’s, said: “Let me express from the outset, on behalf of Barnardo’s, their desire to recognise and respect the evidence we have heard from all applicants who were formerly in their care.

“They have shown great courage in coming to the inquiry at all, even more giving evidence in public.”

Steven Love QC said Aberlour’s staff had been “touched by the distress of survivors coming forward and their dignity” when giving evidence.

It was also heard unwritten rules in the residential care establishments allowed for poor practices to continue over decades.

In Care Abuse Survivors (Incas) lawyer John Scott QC pointed to “patterns of abuse” that occurred in the establishments, saying children not being given gifts at birthdays is an example of an “accepted institutional policy and practice, if not in writing”.

He added: “What happened did not involve one or two abusers, it involved many abusers and took place over considerable decades.”

The inquiry before judge Lady Smith continues in March.