Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry Hearings: Details regarding Phase 2 hearings

On Tuesday 28 November 2017, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry will begin Phase 2 hearings. During Phase 2, the Inquiry will examine evidence it has gathered, researched and analysed relating to residential child care establishments run by Catholic Orders.

From 28 November until 11 December, evidence will be heard from a number of individuals who were resident in Smyllum Park in Lanark or Bellevue House in Rutherglen. The Inquiry will then hear evidence from witnesses in relation to deaths of children at Smyllum Park. These will include a representative from Police Scotland, two medical experts and a genealogist.

Hearings will finish on 15 December and resume again on Tuesday 9 January

As many individuals are protected by the Chair’s Restriction Orders, they will not be named in witness lists published on the Inquiry’s website unless they have waived their anonymity. Appropriate measures will also be taken to protect their anonymity while they give their evidence at the hearing.

Because of the need to safeguard anonymity, transcripts of the day’s proceedings may also take longer to appear online to ensure appropriate redaction. The Inquiry team will endeavour to post transcripts online as soon as possible.

Space will be limited and only accredited media will be allowed access to the media room and seating area. All journalists are asked to apply for accreditation in advance. Broadcast media filming requests at the hearing will be considered for approval on a case-by-case basis. Please contact 3x1 Public Relations if you have any questions regarding this.

Members of the press are requested to take great care when covering the hearings particularly in relation to identification of any witness. A member of the Inquiry communication team will be on hand to address any issues that may arise.

Hearings will continue be held at the Inquiry’s hearing venue, situated on the 3rd floor of Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ.