Current Investigation
Phase 9 investigations: 'The provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs and disabilities'.
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BSL - Public Hearings – Donaldson’s School for the Deaf
Announcement: the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is holding public hearings about Donaldson’s School for the Deaf in September and October 2025.
Inquiry to commence Phase 10 of investigations
On 8 December 2025, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 10 of its investigations: the provision of residential care for children and young people in establishments run by Local Authorities and establishments run by voluntary providers used by Local Authorities to place children in care.
SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.
The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at these establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.
This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.
Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture.
The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings and from providers.
Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA.
At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday, 3 October 2025.
What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures. Application forms are also available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.
Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.
SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support
Twenty establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study:
| Establishment | Provider | Location |
| Merkland Children’s Home | Dumfries and Galloway Council | Moffat |
| Dunclutha Children’s Home | Argyll and Bute Council | Dunoon |
| Lagarie House Children’s Home | Sailors’ Society | Rhu |
| Lord and Lady Polwarth Home | CrossReach | Edinburgh |
| St Margaret’s Children’s Home | Fife Council | Elie |
| Redheugh Adolescent Unit | Salvation Army | Kilbirnie, Ayrshire |
| Gryffe Children’s home | Renfrewshire Council | Bridge of Weir |
| Bellshill Children’s Home | North Lanarkshire Council | Bellshill |
| Coblehaugh Children’s Home | Aberdeenshire Council | Inverurie |
| Nimmo Place Children’s Home | Perth and Kinross Council | Perth |
| Colonsay House | Perth and Kinross Council | Perth |
| Red House Home | Red House Home Trust | Musselburgh |
| Ponton House | Ponton Trust | Edinburgh |
| Widowers’ Children’s Home | WHC Trust for Children | Edinburgh |
| Glenallan Children’s Home | City of Edinburgh Council | Edinburgh |
| Clerwood Children’s Home | City of Edinburgh Council | Edinburgh |
| Park Lodge Children’s Home | Glasgow City Council | Glasgow |
| Eversley Children’s Home | Glasgow City Council | Pollokshields |
| Downcraig | Glasgow City Council | Castlemilk |
| Fornethy House Residential School | Glasgow City Council | Kilry, Angus |
Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry publishes fifteenth volume of case study findings
Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), has today, Wednesday 20 August, published her findings relating to the provision of residential care for children at Keil School in Dumbarton.
BSL video guide
We've made a series of videos to help you understand how the Inquiry works. They cover how to apply, how to give evidence and what happens when you attend a hearing. You will also find announcements about public hearings. Videos have captions and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.
Share your experience
If you want to share your experience, we can explain what’s involved and support you at every step. We have made a series of videos with BSL translations that explain how the Inquiry works.
Our progress
Some statistics from the Inquiry's investigations.
Pages of evidence analysed
Witness statements published
Days of hearings to date
BSL Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry self-care
Reading or hearing evidence can be distressing. We recognise the importance, in these circumstances, of keeping us all – applicants, witnesses, members of the public, legal representatives, and our own staff – safe from harm. We have therefore prepared this leaflet to let people know about the possible effects they may experience after reading or hearing evidence. A BSL version is also available.