Freed, child abuser who was jailed along with ex-SNP adviser
Neil Strachan, a 58-year-old convicted child abuser once branded "sadistic and aggressive" by a High Court judge, has been released from prison on licence. He was jailed as part of a child abuse network alongside James Rennie, a former SNP government adviser on child sex issues and ex-chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, who was freed several months earlier. The release has prompted concern from Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr, who called it "truly sickening" and demanded assurances that Strachan will be monitored for the rest of his life.
Strachan, who was held at Castle Huntly open prison near Dundee, was convicted of attempting to rape an 18-month-old boy and of downloading child abuse images; Rennie was jailed separately for molesting the toddler son of family friends. Strachan's minimum sentence of 16 years was cut to nine years by appeal judges in 2011, while Rennie served eight-and-a-half years. Both men, from Edinburgh, are subject to Orders for Lifelong Restriction, meaning release required Parole Board approval and they remain on licence indefinitely. The Scottish Prison Service declined to comment on individual prisoners.
In short
- Paedophile Neil Strachan freed on licence from a Scottish prison
- He was convicted alongside ex-SNP adviser James Rennie, released earlier
- Both remain on lifelong licence under Parole Board-approved restriction orders
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those who support Strachan’s release can argue that it followed the legal process: his sentence was reviewed on appeal, and the Parole Board approved release subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction. Indefinite licence allows continued monitoring and restrictions, while a system that assesses individual risk rather than imposing automatic imprisonment respects proportionality and the possibility of rehabilitation.
The case against
Those who oppose the release can argue that the severity of Strachan’s offences and the lasting risks to children justify exceptionally strong safeguards, including close lifelong supervision. They may also question whether release is prudent even under licence, and reasonably demand clear assurance that monitoring is adequately resourced and any breach or increase in risk will prompt swift action.
Explained simply
The case involves two men jailed for serious offences against children. Neil Strachan was convicted of attempting to rape a toddler and possessing child abuse images; James Rennie was convicted of molesting a young child. Rennie previously held senior roles in public bodies and charities, including advising the Scottish Government on child sex issues.
Both men were given Orders for Lifelong Restriction. This means the Parole Board must approve their release, and they remain on licence indefinitely, subject to supervision and conditions. Such orders are intended to manage the risk a person may pose after leaving prison.
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