The Scotsman

Inquiry to investigat­e Fort Augustus

- By CHRIS MARSHALL

A notorious Catholic boarding school where boys were allegedly abused by monks is to be investigat­ed by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, it has been confirmed.

Judge Lady Smith said the former school at Fort Augustus Abbey, on the shores of Loch Ness, would be included in the fourth phase of the inquiry, due to begin next summer.

Former pupils of the school, which closed in the early 1990s, have spoken of suffering physical and sexual abuse.

A former priest was last year convicted of assault to injury, while another – who is accused of sexual abuse – is the subject of extraditio­n proceeding­s.

The inquiry, which has cost £15.7m to date, will also investigat­e allegation­s of abuse relating to Carlekemp in North Berwick, St Columba’s College in Largs and St Ninians in Falkland, Fife. Two former teachers at St Ninians were jailed in 2016 after being convicted of abuse.

Lady Smith said: “Investigat­ions into establishm­ents run by male religious orders and other preparator­y work are well underway. We have been pleased with the response to date.

“Please would anyone who has any relevant informatio­n about any of these orders and schools contact the Inquiry.”

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