An adventure island owner accused of abusing boys told a court there was “nothing devious” about him changing his appearance before an identity parade.

Torquil Johnson-Ferguson, of Solwaybank, Chapel Knowe, Canonbie, in Dumfriesshire, had his long hair cut before the line-up his trial at Oban Sheriff Court was told earlier.

He was asked by Fiscal Eoin McGinty today: “Why was it that you changed your appearance just prior to your video identity parade?”

He replied: “It wasn’t linked, I get a hair cut every four months.”

The prosecutor asked: “Why for the first time in all the time your wife has known you, did you sport a fringe?”

Johnson-Ferguson said: “I don’t understand the fringe. It was nothing devious. I might have cut it if my hair was getting in my eyes.”

Johnson-Ferguson, 65, who ran an adventure centre for young people on Rua Fiola island, near Oban, denies indecent behaviour towards three boys by touching them inappropriately between 1981 and 1986 during their stays on the island.

He insisted in evidence to the jury that the alleged abuse did not take place.

Sam Crymble, 69, a senior inspector for the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority told defence solicitor Gary McAteer he carried out annual inspections at Rua Fiola from 1997 onwards.

He said: “I held Rua Fiola in high regard as providing an almost unique experience from other centres. The ethos was to build the confidence of the children."

“It was at the top of tree regarding Scottish outdoor provision. It was exceptionally well run. In terms of appropriateness all were very suitable people to work with young people."

“The children were made to feel at home. The abiding memory of Rua Fiola was the family atmosphere that was created.”

Fiscal Eoin McGinty said: “You haven’t, like the ladies and gentlemen of the jury over the last week, watched grown men cry in respect of what happened to them at Rua Fiola 30 years ago, have you?”

“No,” Mr Crymble replied.

The trial continues on Monday.