Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry to hear evidence of abuse in state accommodation
Lady Smith, chair of the inquiry, has urged anyone with relevant information to contact the team.
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Evidence regarding child abuse at state accommodation between 1930 and 2014 will be heard at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, it has been announced.
Some of the evidence will relate to young offenders under the age of 18, including those in custody awaiting trial.
Other examples will relate to children and young persons under 18 in need of care and protection.
The inquiry is focused primarily on physical abuse and sexual abuse, with associated psychological and emotional abuse.
A number of people have already come forward, but we would encourage anyone with relevant information to get in touch with the inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible
Accommodation relevant to Phase 8 of the inquiry was managed by a range of providers including local authorities, religious bodies, voluntary bodies, and the Scottish Prison Service.
Public hearings on Phase 8 began in September 2023.
Closing submissions to be held on October 23, will focus on Balnacraig, Perth; Balrossie, Kilmacolm, Inverclyde; Oakbank School, Aberdeen; and Thornly Park, Paisley, which began on September 24, as part of Chapter 9 of this phase.
Three chapters are still due to be heard for Phase 8, and Chapter 10 will begin on October 29, examining Brimmond, Aberdeen; Newfield, Johnstone; and Beechwood, Glasgow.
Chapter 11, examining St Euphrasia’s / Dalbeth / Good Shepherd Centre, Kibble, and St Mary’s Kenmure (post-De La Salle), all near Glasgow, will begin on December 3.
Chapter 12, examining Rossie / Rossie Farm, Montrose; Wellington, Penicuik; St Katharine’s, Howdenhall, Gilmerton, Liberton Assessment Centre and Edinburgh Secure Services (ESS) will begin on January 7, 2025.
Lady Smith, chair of the inquiry, previously urged anyone with relevant information to contact the team.
She said: “The inquiry’s wide-ranging terms of reference include requiring us to investigate the provision of residential care for children in establishments run by local authorities.
“They also require investigations to focus on establishments into which local authorities placed children in care.
“We plan to hold public hearings and expect that they will be able to commence in the second half of 2025.
“Our investigations have been ongoing throughout the life of the inquiry.
“A number of people have already come forward, but we would encourage anyone with relevant information to get in touch with the inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible.”
The witness support team can be contacted on 0800 0929 300, or by email at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot.
People can also write to the inquiry by post at SCAI, PO Box 24202, Edinburgh EH3 1JN.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.