Schools in abuse row apologise
Churchman in plea to Home Office
BOARDING schools across Scotland have offered an “unreserved apology” for the alleged sexual, physical and emotional abuse students faced.
The latest phase of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, heard before Judge Lady Smith, is focusing on the alleged abuse carried out in Scottish boarding schools.
Jonathan Brodie QC, representing Fettes College in Edinburgh, said: “We want to offer a full and unreserved apology to those who suffered abuse while at Fettes College. Two former teachers admitted sexual abuse and were required to leave.”
Angela Grahame QC, representing Loretto School in Edinburgh, said: “Loretto School wishes to offer an unreserved apology to those who have suffered abuse in the school.”
Rory Dunlop, QC, representing Gordonstoun School, near Elgin, Moray, said the school wanted to offer an “unequivocal apology” to those who suffered abuse at the school.
He said: “Gordonstoun was shocked when it learned about the abuse allegations. The school recognises that the excellent care it provides today was not always the case and is committed to learning from past mistakes.”
The inquiry before Judge Lady Smith continues.
THE orphaned son of an asylum seeker living in Glasgow is under the constant threat of deportation, with the Home Office being urged to let the teen grow up a “Scottish boy”.
A Church of Scotland minister has launched a campaign for 13-year-old Giorgi Kakava to be granted permission to stay in the UK permanently.
Giorgi and his mother, Sopio Baikhadze, fled to Glasgow in 2011 because she feared that gangsters whom her late husband owed a debt to would either kill him or sell him to sex traffickers. The 35-year-old, was awaiting the outcome of an appeal for asylum when she died after a long illness in early 2018. It was her last wish that her son remained in Glasgow and continued to grow up a “Scottish boy”.
Rev Brian Casey said it was a “scandal”that Giorgi is still living under a cloud of uncertainty.
The 13-year-old’s residence permit expired in December and once again it is claimed he faces being removed from his home in Glasgow and deported to Georgia, a former Soviet republic.
He was only granted permission to stay in the UK along with his grandmother and legal guardian, Ketino Baikhadze, in July 2018, after the Kirk launched a highprofile campaign.
The Home Office said it was not threatening to remove either Ketino or her grandson.
A spokesman added: “They were granted limited leave to remain in the UK and currently have a further application outstanding, which we are processing.
“They will be updated as soon as possible about their application.”