Historical Sex Abuse Investigation Underway At Edinburgh Academy

Police Scotland are investigating a Scottish high school following allegations of historical sexual abuse.The investigation comes following allegations of sexual abuse from former pupils at private school, Edinburgh Academy, dating back to the 1960 and early 1970s.

Cooperating With Police

The school are said to be cooperating with Police Scotland into their investigation into the claims of sexual abuse at the school.

Marco Longmore, rector of the Edinburgh school said: “We have been made aware of the police investigation and are co-operating fully with the relevant authorities.“It is our understanding that these alleged events date back to the late 1960s and 1970s.“At Edinburgh Academy we adhere to the very highest standards of pupil care and child protection in line with best practice guidance seen within all Scottish schools.”

History of Sexual Abuse

The investigation into Edinburgh Academy follows claims following actor Iain Glen’s claims in 2001 that he was molested, along with other boys, whilst in the showers at the Academy. In a statement, a police spokesman said: “Should an individual lodge a formal complaint with us then we will carry out a thorough investigation.”

The worrying revelations come a month after it was announced that there would be a public enquiry into sexual abuse in Scotland. Although no timetable has yet been announced, it is expected that the Scottish Government will hold a public inquiry into historical sexual abuse involving children in care and children molested in church schools from the 1960s and onwards.

Public Inquiry

The Scottish Government have announced that there will be a full public inquiry into historical sexual abuse in Scotland. The public inquiry, which is set for 2015, is set to try analyse and investigate previous accounts of sexual abuse in order to try and safeguard children and prevent any similar incidents occurring.

The inquiry would look to see what types of abuse could be investigated. Frank Docherty, the founder and chairman of In-care Abuse Survivors (Incas), said: "We've waited 15 years and what we want is a full public inquiry into all the abuse, in all the institutions in Scotland."

Incas vice chairman Frank McCue, who was a victim of sexual abuse said: "The length of time these people have been waiting is ridiculous, a blind man could see that this needs a public inquiry and they keep putting out reports and excuses and it's just not good enough."

He added: "My main thing is to get justice for all these kids, name and shame every institution, every organisation that ran them and I don't care who they are - religious or otherwise."

Jim Buckley said "I lived with it for nine years when I was in a home in Aberdeen, the abuse we suffered, there's never been any recognition of the fact.

"We've got to live with that day in and day out.

“You try and get on with your life but it's very hard."The inquiry will look to provide closure to victims as well as prevent further incidents occuring.

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