This apology is not the end but can be a new beginning

“We are sorry.” Three small words but ones the survivors of forced adoption, all the mothers and all their children, longed to hear and not because an apology can undo what has been done. Nothing can do that. It is right the terrible wrong inflicted simply because they were unmarried has, at last, been properly acknowledged by the state. It is right for the current generation of leaders to take moral responsibility for abuses of the past and Nicola Sturgeon’s words of regret will be formally recorded as the moment Scotland finally owned the cruelty that tore families apart and changed lives forever.

It was too long a secret, wrapped in misplaced silence, stigma and shame. Campaigners have fought a long battle for justice and their stories will stay with me forever. When

I led a debate at Holyrood in 2021 calling for a national apology, I read the words of Marion Mcmillan, who has been such a tireless campaigner.

The scandal is often described as “historic” but the legacy is in the here and now. For the adult adoptees fighting for access to medical and adoption records, there is much still to be done. Those who need it must now have access to specialist counselling and words need to be backed up with action and funding. Reunion, for those who seek it, can be difficult. Families also want to see more support to help them with their journey. The first minister was also right to raise the dangers of the drug given to new mothers now linked to cancers down the generations and urge women to attend breast and cervical screening appointments. Increasing specialist services and improving access to records will hold the key to so many unanswered questions. Thankfully, finally, Scotland has said sorry but that should not be the end but a beginning.