The latest phase of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry begins later this month, when it will hear evidence about the treatment of those cared for at three children’s homes in Moray.
Aberlour Orphanage, the Princess Margaret Nursery and Aberlour’s Children Home in Keith will all be scrutinised as part of the inquiry.
It was created to investigate the nature and extent of abuse of children in care and report its findings to Scottish Ministers.
From October 23, the inquiry will hear evidence from residents and witnesses to the treatment of children residing at the three Moray institutions and others across the country.
It will examine evidence from the three homes that has been gathered, researched and analysed by investigators.
SallyAnn Kelly, the chief executive of Aberlour, said: “Every victim of any kind of abuse should be given the opportunity to tell their story, so that we as a society might learn from it and this inquiry will bring some degree of closure to victims who have never been afforded the opportunity to tell that story.
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“We hope that it will be given the time and resources it needs to conduct its investigation with thoroughness and sensitivity, while working in a way that is complimentary to the work already being undertaken by the National Confidential Forum into historical abuse.
“It will then be up to everyone involved in the care of Scotland’s children to work together to ensure that they are kept safe and protected from such abuse in the future.
“The inquiry will naturally have our full cooperation and support.”
Hearings will continue be held at the Inquiry’s hearing venue in Edinburgh until the end of January.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is also investigating allegations against the Sisters of Nazareth order and its children’s home on Claremont Street in Aberdeen, where former residents have alleged both mental and physical abuse.
