Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has announced that Phase 2 of public hearings examining the abuse of children in boarding schools will commence on 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 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.
In line with the proposed timetable for easing of COVID restrictions announced on 16th March, it is hoped that the ensuing regulations will be such as to enable us to permit members of the public to attend these hearings, from May onwards.
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.