Police probe claims of historical child abuse at ancient monastery
DETECTIVES have launched an investigation into claims of historical child abuse at the UK’s only mediaeval monastery still lived in by monks.
Police Scotland yesterday confirmed that officers are looking into allegations of ‘non-recent’ abuse at Pluscarden Abbey in Moray.
The 13th-century monastery, near Elgin, has been the home to a community of Catholic Benedictine monks for nearly 70 years.
A police spokesman said: ‘ Police Scotland can confirm that officers are investigating a report of non-recent abuse at Pluscarden Abbey in Moray. Inquiries are at a very early stage.
‘Police Scotland will investigate all forms of child abuse, regardless of when incidents have occurred, and ensure that reports of child abuse are investigated thoroughly.
‘Anyone who has been a victim of abuse can come forward in confidence, knowing we will listen and investigate.’
The abbey comes under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aberdeen, led by Bishop Hugh Gilbert, who himself was a monk at the abbey for 37 years and a former abbot.
A spokesman for the Diocese of Aberdeen confirmed yesterday that it would be cooperating with the police investigation.
He said: ‘The abbey, bishop and diocese are recently aware of a police investigation that has commenced into historic allegations relating to Pluscarden Abbey and they will f ully co- operate with this investigation, with the police and other relevant agencies.’
The abuse claims are understood to have been reported to Police Scotland after Andi Lavery, who describes himself as a ‘ Fort Augustus abuse survivor’, got in contact with children’s charity Barnardo’s.
The charity last night confirmed that Mr Lavery spoke to Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland, but could not confirm whether the police investigation was a result of their conversation.
Mr Crewe said: ‘ Barnardo’s Scotland is committed to tackling child abuse.
‘We have taken an active role i n supporting survivors of historical abuse and do all that we can to ensure that their voices are heard.’
Pluscarden Abbey has a long and varied history.
It was founded in 1230 by King Alexander II as a priory for the Valliscaulian Order, named after the valley where it was founded in Burgundy, France.
The Scottish order largely went i ts own way until it merged with the Benedictines in the 1400s.
Monks continued to live in the monastery until the 16th century when their numbers dwindled and it was no longer used as a place of religious retreat.
After passing through several hands as a lay property, it was given to a Benedictine community shortly after the end of the Second World War. The priory was granted status as an abbey in 1974 following its restoration.
A Scottish Government spokesman declined to comment on the Pluscarden allegations, saying it was ‘ a matter for Police Scotland’.