Appeal for evidence of school abuse

INQUIRY: Judge urges victims who were boarders to come forward ahead of hearings

The senior judge leading a probe into alleged abuse at Scottish boarding schools has made a direct plea for victims to come forward.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry will examine allegations at several establishments, including Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, and Morrison’s Academy, Crieff, during the time it was a boarding school.

The hearings will get under way in July.

Yesterday, inquiry chairwoman Lady Smith released a video message, urging former pupils and staff to come forward, even if their reports of abuse have already been investigated by police.

She said: “We want to hear from anyone who has experience of being abused in any boarding school in Scotland, and anyone who has information about abuse in boarding schools.

“If you have any such information, I would encourage you to contact us.

“Please do so, even if you have already made a report to the police or been involved in another investigation – that doesn’t matter, you can still speak to us.

“I know that it can be difficult and very emotional to talk about such experiences, however we have a highly experienced witness support team and they will help and support you throughout the process.

“We will do all we can to help you feel safe and secure when you speak to us.”

She said the sessions will start in July and, as well as Morrison’s and Queen Victoria, will also look at Fettes College, Edinburgh, Gordonstoun School, Elgin, Keil School in Dumbarton, Loretto School in Musselburgh and Edinburgh’s Merchiston Castle School.

Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, said: “The inquiry team has confirmed what was announced in 2015, that boarding schools would be looked at as part of the overall examination of school care accommodation.

“The safety and welfare of children at school is of paramount importance, and schools have zero tolerance towards staff who fail to live up to these values.”

To contact the inquiry team, call 0800 0929300 or email talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot

We will do all we can to help you feel safe and secure... LADY SMITH