Ex-staff at private school charged in abuse claim probe

TWO former staff at a top fee-paying school for boys have been charged by police investigating claims of historic abuse of ex-pupils.

Police Scotland requested records relating to staff at Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh – where fees can reach £29,000 a year – as part of the inquiry.

Detective Inspector Morag Bruce said: ‘Two men, aged 62 and 69, have been charged and will appear at court at a later date.’

Notable former pupils include former Tory donor Irvine Laidlaw and Grand Slam-winning rugby star John Jeffrey.

The force declined to say when the inquiry began, or what the men have been charged with, as it is a ‘live’ investigation.

In 2013, a teacher at the school committed suicide after being told police were probing claims of alleged inappropriate conduct towards pupils. James Rainy Brown, 75, who had worked at the school f or 52 years, hanged himself.

The allegations were said to have involved lewd comments, rather than physical abuse.

Police investigated but no further action was taken.

It is understood the present investigation is not connected to t he cl aims surrounding Mr Brown.

News of the investigation follows accusations by former pupils at fee-paying Gordonstoun School in Moray of abuse by ex-teachers.

Education Secretary Angela Constance has announced a statutory public inquiry to examine historic cases of abuse of children in care, including private schools.

Merchiston headmaster Andrew Hunter said: ‘ We have been offering every possible assistance to Police Scotland.’