Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has today announced public hearings examining the abuse of children in Boarding Schools will commence on 16 March 2021.
Phase 1 of the evidence will hear from representatives of inspection and regulatory bodies as well as individual boarding schools.
This phase of evidence is expected to conclude in early April.
Subject to ongoing public health guidance and physical distancing measures, hearings will take place at the Inquiry’s hearing venue at Rosebery House in Edinburgh. Evidence is likely to be taken both from witnesses in person, as well as remotely via video link. Further details will be provided as soon as we are able to do so.
Unfortunately, due to government COVID restrictions which are currently in place, members of public will not be able to attend this phase of hearings.
The Inquiry’s witness support team continues to operate the Talk to Us phone line and support applicants and other witnesses throughout this challenging time. The Inquiry’s ‘Talk to Us’ phone lines will operate Monday - Friday between 10am and 4pm until further notice.
Individuals can contact the Inquiry’s witness support team by phone on 0800 0929 300, or by email at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot. BSL users can contact the Inquiry through an online sign interpreter.
Further updates will also be provided on the Inquiry website and via Twitter.