Grandparents urge MSPS to change law so they can contact grandson

Tearful grandparents have spoken of their heartbreak at not being allowed to see their only grandson as they called for the law to be changed.

Speaking at the cross-party group on children and young people in the Scottish Parliament, Gordon and Shonia Mason wept as they told how they have been unable to see grandson Freddie in nearly five years, since he was just five months old.

The couple, who are estranged from their eldest son, are now urging Holyrood to introduce a presumption in law for contact between 0 Holyrood is being asked to change the law

grandparents and grandchildren.

Describing the situation as akin to “suffering a living bereavement”, Mr Mason said: “We may never see our son and grandson again but we hope if we can help push this forward and help others in future, then it’s worth it.”

Mr Mason said he was reported to police for harassment because they sent a text simply trying to wish his son a happy birthday.

They have to try to send Christmas cards to Freddie via their son’s solicitor, he said.

“I worry every day how Freddie is,” Mrs Mason said.

“I would like to give my grandson Freddie as much love as was given to me by my grandmother, and the love my father gave to our son.”

The meeting was organised by Youthlink Scotland and Children in Scotland.