Man Charged in Inquiry into Sexual Abuse Allegations at Scottish School

By Severin Carrell
The Guardian
September 2, 2013

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/02/man-charged-sexual-abuse-allegations

Police have identified more than 20 suspected victims, with more than 50 former pupils coming forward to give evidence

Police have charged a man believed to a former monk at Fort Augustus boarding school as part of their investigation into historic allegations of physical and sexual abuse against pupils.

Police Scotland said the man was 80 years old and lives in the east Highlands, but they would not detail the type of offences or charges he faces.

Detectives launched a major inquiry into allegations by dozens of former pupils of systematic physical and sexual abuse against staff at the former Benedictine Abbey school near Inverness, and its now closed preparatory school in East Lothian.

It emerged last month that police had identified more than 20 suspected victims, with more than 50 former pupils coming forward to give evidence, after launching their inquiry in March following a complaint by a former pupil.

In a brief statement, the police said: "An 80-year-old man from the east Highland area has been charged in connection with enquiries in relation to reports of historic physical and sexual abuse at Fort Augustus Abbey. A report detailing the circumstances has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."