On 3 December 2019 the Inquiry will begin hearing evidence relating to Phase 5 of its case study into the abuse of children whose departure from Scotland to countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand was part of the child migration programmes.
The case study will be in two parts. Part one will start on 3 December 2019 with video-link evidence from witnesses who are unable to travel to hearings and is expected to last about one week. To take account of time differences in Australia and other countries, the Inquiry will require to sit outwith normal hearing hours. Further information on this will be available nearer the time.
Part two of the case study will start at the end of February 2020 with evidence in person from former child migrants and other witnesses, including support organisations and representatives from organisations involved in child migration. Evidence will also be heard from expert witnesses about the history and operation of the child migration programmes.
Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s hearing venue, situated on the 3rd floor of Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ. This case study is expected to conclude in late March 2020.
At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than noon on 7 October 2019.
What’s involved in having “leave to appear” is explained here on the Inquiry’s website. www.childabuseinquiry.scot. There are also application forms on the website.
Members of the public do not need “leave to appear” to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.