This announcement provides information about a future Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) case study. Beginning in summer 2020, phase 6 will investigate provision at boarding schools.
The establishments currently being investigated are:
- Fettes College
- Gordonstoun
- Keil School, Dumbarton
- Loretto School
- Merchiston Castle School
- Morrison’s Academy (at the time it was a boarding school)
- Queen Victoria School, Dunblane
Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, said: “In 2020, we plan to progress to case study hearings in relation to our investigations into abuse in boarding schools.
“We are interested in hearing from anyone about their experiences in boarding schools, particularly those who attended one of the schools currently under wider investigation in more recent times and up to December 2014.
“I would encourage anyone who has evidence to offer in relation to any of the investigations listed on our website to get in touch. We want to hear from you.
“I know that some people have already made a report to the police or to other agencies/ persons and may have been involved in other investigations. That does not matter – please also talk to us.”
The first phase of the Inquiry’s hearings began on 31 May 2017 and focused on the background and context to the Inquiry including the history and governance of institutions and expert evidence on the legislative and regulatory framework for children in care. It should be noted that the Inquiry will return to this phase in Spring 2020.
A case study investigating Foster Care has also been announced and the current plan is to start this around the end of 2020.
In June SCAI began phase 4 hearings considering child care establishments run by male religious orders which will conclude in late 2019.
Phase 5, which will examine the abuse of children whose departure from Scotland was part of the child migration programmes, will commence at the end of 2019.
The Inquiry’s witness support team can be phoned on 0800 0929 300, or emailed at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot
Individuals can also write to the Inquiry by post at SCAI, PO Box 24202, Edinburgh EH3 1JN