Two to face school abuse charges
Men set to appear in court over allegations at private institution
TWO men have been charged in connection with allegations of historical abuse at one of Scotland’s top independent schools.
Police Scotland are carrying out inquiries into the claims at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, the country’s only all-boys independent boarding school.
Merchiston Castle, in the Colinton area of the city, follows the English school curriculum and is renowned for its sports as well as education.
The Boarding Schools website has said it is one of the UK’s leading independent schools due to its “balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A level pass rate”.
Police said two men in their sixties, believed to be ex-staff members, have been charged as a result of an investigation relating to the exclusive school.
Boarding fees can reach up to £29,000 a year making it one of Scotland’s most expensive schools.
Detective Inspector Morag Bruce said: “Police in Edinburgh are carrying out inquiries into claims of historic abuse at Merchiston Castle School, which date back to the 1960s. As a result of this ongoing investigation, two men, aged 62 and 69, have been charged and will appear at court at a later date.”
The force declined to say when the probe began, or what the men have been charged with, as it is an ongoing investigation.
Alison Johnstone, a Green MSP for the Lothians, said: “The grow- ing awareness for the proper protection of all our young people is welcome. These cases are disturbing, but it is heartening society is taking the issue seriously and that there is a recognition this sort of behaviour won’t be tolerated.”
Andrew Hunter, headmaster of Merchiston Castle School said: “We have been offering every possible assistance to Police Scotland as it investigates these historical allegations. The appropriate school records have been made available to the investigating officers and we are committed to co-operating fully in support of their enquiries.
“The welfare and safety of our pupils is the central, over-riding priority at Merchiston and our safeguarding and child protection policies are robust, comprehensive and fully compliant with current Scottish legislation.”
The probe comes after accusations by former pupils at Gordonstoun private school in Moray of sexual abuse by ex-teachers. One former pupil alleged she had been raped at the junior school.
It also follows the announcement by Education Secretary Angela Constance of a statutory public inquiry to examine historical cases of abuse of children in care. The inquiry will be able to to compel witnesses to give evidence.
Ms Constance said at the time: “This parliament must always be on the side of victims of abuse. We must have the truth of what happened to them and how those organisations and individuals into whose care the children were ent r u st ed, failed them so catastrophically.”
‘‘ We have been offering every assistance to Police Scotland as it investigates these historical allegations