An event is being held in Inverness next month to enable survivors of historical abuse in care or institutions to help shape the remit of a public inquiry aimed at delivering justice.
The gathering on March 10 at the Waterside Hotel will also give attendees the opportunity to have a say in what skills they would want in a chairman or panel as well as considering other commitments the Scottish Government has made to support people.
The meeting will be led by the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS)
The inquiry team will have the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence, if needed.
Education Secretary Angela Constance said: “This parliament must always be on the side of victims of abuse.
“I am grateful to the survivors of institutional child abuse who have already taken the time to meet me and other ministers and who have spoken bravely and eloquently about why they consider a public inquiry is needed.
“Of course, as vital as their voices have been in getting us to this point, I am also conscious that there are many more survivors who remain silent.
“As abused children they had no voice, no-one to cry out on their behalf at the appalling injustices they suffered while growing up.
“I sincerely hope the public inquiry will provide just such an opportunity for them.”
Professor Andrew Kendrick of CELCIS said the inquiry would move the organisation closer to achieving justice for survivors.
“We hope that through these events, survivors will influence how the inquiry and other commitments are taken forward so that their needs are fully addressed,” he added.