Inquiry finds decades of abuse at Edinburgh Academy were ignored

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry found that pupils at Edinburgh Academy experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse from the 1950s to the 1980s. Its chair, Lady Smith, said senior staff ignored or dismissed complaints and failed to confront the risks, leaving some boarders in a constant state of fear.

The inquiry heard evidence from former pupils including broadcaster Nicky Campbell, who said memories of his schooldays still haunt him. It identified abuse by former teachers John Brownlee and Hamish Dawson, and noted that convicted sex offender William Bain began abusing pupils at the school; former teacher Iain Wares faces allegations and extradition proceedings. The report also described a culture in which physical punishment, violence, racism, homophobia and misogyny were tolerated. Edinburgh Academy repeated its apology and said it provides a caring, supportive environment for current pupils.