Phase 2 of public hearings examining the abuse of children in boarding schools will commence on Tuesday 4 May 2021.
Phase 2 will begin by hearing evidence relating to Loretto School in Musselburgh, and Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, during the time it was a boarding school. Dates for public hearings relating to the following five schools will be confirmed as soon as possible:
- Fettes College, Edinburgh
- Gordonstoun School, Elgin
- Keil School, Dumbarton
- Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh
- Queen Victoria School, Dunblane
Subject to ongoing public health guidance, hearings will take place at the Inquiry’s hearing venue at Rosebery House in Edinburgh and will involve a combination of evidence from witnesses in person and remote evidence by video-link. Witness schedules will be published on the Inquiry website at the end of the week before the hearing is due to take place.
In line with the Scottish Government’s easing of COVID restrictions, we are able to permit members of the public to attend these hearings, from May onwards.
Measures are in place in line with Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland guidance to help keep people safe. We consider it to be very important that we take all the steps we can to reduce the risks of spreading infection.
These measures include the requirement to wear a face covering while in Rosebery House, unless you are exempt under Scottish Government guidance. Once seated in the Hearing Room, it is also recommended that you continue to wear your face covering for the duration of the hearing. Seating has been arranged so as to meet physical distancing requirements. This means that the number of seats available is limited. Seating is allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For those unable to attend hearings, transcripts of evidence will be published on the Inquiry website.
Further updates will also be provided on the Inquiry website and via Twitter.