QC appointed to lead inquiry into historical abuse

Ms O’Brien led the 2003 inquiry into failings which led to the death of baby Caleb Ness, who died in 2001 after being violently shaken by his father.

Ms Constance said the scope of the inquiry would extend only to children who were abused while in residential care, including institutions run by religious groups and independent boarding schools.

Ms Constance said: “Reaching a decision on the exact scope of the inquiry has been challenging, given the wide range of views, even among survivors. The remit cannot be so wide that survivors lose hope of the inquiry ever reaching clear, specific conclusions. I am mindful of the urgency of this last issue, given the age and health of some of the leading campaigners.

“The inquiry will examine any instance where a child was abused in care, at institutions including residential care provided by faith based organisations; children’s homes and secure care. The scope will also include those placed in foster care.”

The education secretary said £13.5 million would be allocated over the next five years to develop a dedicated in care support service. An additional £1 million will also enhance the support available to all who were abused as children, regardless of the setting, through the SurvivorScotland development fund.

Scottish Government also intends to lift the three-year time bar on civil actions, including compensation claims for damages in cases of historical abuse that took place after 1964.

Ms O’Brien said: “I am honoured by the decision of the cabinet secretary to appoint me to chair the Historical Child Abuse Inquiry. I am aware that there are many victims of abuse who have waited a long time to see this happen, and that some are elderly and hope to see progress soon.

“I undertake to start work on July 1, to establish the inquiry by October 1 and to work my way steadily through the evidence, assisted by a panel and by expert assessors. Details of hearing dates will be made public, and an inquiry website will keep interested parties informed of our progress. Others will be able to phone and write, if they would like to keep in touch with what is happening.

“I appreciate that no one can provide full justice for any victim of abuse in childhood, but the Scottish Government is anxious to enable victims to tell us what happened to them and the impact it had on their lives. The inquiry panel will try to identify any lessons from past failures which will help to keep our children safe in the future.”