A report into the exclusive Merchiston Castle School has concluded that for 60 years, “abusers were protected by tradition”. Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry chairwoman Lady Smith has published her findings on the provision of residential care at the Edinburgh boarding school, concluding that over almost six decades, there was a “more or less continuous line of indecency” from two named perpetrators.
A boys-only private school has been criticised for a culture which involved “dreadful abuse” of children almost continuously for six decades. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry report into Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh found that from the 1950s to the second decade of the 21st century, there was a “more or less continuous line of indecency” from two named perpetrators.
A group of survivors who gave evidence on the abuse they suffered at private schools have called on the first minister to dismiss the judge leading the inquiry. Lady Smith, who is chairing the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), has been accused of “thinly veiled favouritism” towards independent schools. The letter, from 28 former pupils, urges John Swinney to remove her from her role.
For Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, lawyer, Paul Reid said that, with hindsight, it was clear that warning signs had been missed and “it was clear with at least one former member of staff the dots were never to be joined.” Mr Reid offered the school’s “unreserved apology. The school profoundly regrets and sincerely apologises for the fact that such experiences were endured by some pupils,” he said.
Lady Smith announces the boarding school phase of the Inquiry beginning July 2020. The Inquiry is expected to focus on Fettes College, Gordonstoun School, Keils School in Dumbarton, Loretto School, Merchiston Castle School, Morrison’s Academy during the time it was a boarding school, and the Queen Victoria School in Dunblaine.
Hearings in 2020 will focus on seven schools including Fettes College, Gordonstoun, Loretto School and Merchiston Castle School. Lady Smith, who leads the inquiry, has urged people affected by abuse in these establishments to contribute evidence. It will come after the current phase on care experiences involving male religious orders.
