This announcement provides further information about Phase 8 of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry’s (SCAI) investigations.
The focus of this substantial case study is residential accommodation provided or used by the state between 1930 and 2014 to accommodate (a) young offenders under the age of 18 (and children and young persons under 18 awaiting trial) and (b) children and young persons under 18 in need of care and protection. This accommodation was managed by a range of providers including local authorities, religious bodies, voluntary bodies, and the Scottish Prison Service.
SCAI began public hearings in relation to Phase 8 of its investigations in September 2023. So far, it has heard evidence regarding a range of institutions. Transcripts can be found on the Inquiry’s website: Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry | Evidence Hub
These public hearings are ongoing. Chapter 9 hearings, focusing on Balnacraig, Perth, Balrossie, Oakbank School, Aberdeen, and Thornly Park, Paisley began on 24 September 2024, with closing submissions regarding this chapter scheduled to take place on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
Hearings in relation to Phase 8 are expected to continue until early in 2025. This announcement provides further information about the next chapters within the case study.
Three chapters remain in Phase 8:
- Chapter 10, examining Brimmond Assessment Centre, Newfield Assessment Centre, and Beechwood, will begin on Tuesday 29 October
- Chapter 11, examining St Euphrasia’s / Dalbeth / Good Shepherd Centre, Kibble, and St Mary’s Kenmure (post-De La Salle), will begin on Tuesday 3 December
- Chapter 12, examining Rossie / Rossie Farm, Wellington, Penicuik, St Katharine’s / Howdenhall / Gilmerton / Liberton Assessment Centre, and Edinburgh Secure Services (ESS), will begin on Tuesday 7 January 2025
Transcripts will be made available on the SCAI website in due course.
If you have relevant information to share, get in touch with the Inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible.
The Inquiry’s witness support team can be contacted by phone on 0800 0929 300, or by email at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot. Individuals can also write to the Inquiry by post at SCAI, PO Box 24202, Edinburgh EH3 1JN.
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact the Inquiry direct through its online sign language interpreter at www.ContactScotland-bsl.org. People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can contact the Inquiry using the Relay UK service. The SCAI website also includes a range of accessibility features such as the ‘Recite Me’ toolbar and a series of short BSL videos.