Publish date: 20 May 2021

Lady Smith has made an announcement following hearings on 27 May, in the following terms:

“The last matter I want to address today concerns my findings for the Benedictines case study involving Fort Augustus Abbey School and Carlekemp Priory School.

Those findings were written some time ago and they are ready for publication.  I am acutely aware that there are many people who are keenly waiting to read them and who will be, quite understandably, disappointed at any delay in publication.

However, after giving careful consideration to certain current circumstances, I have, with considerable reluctance, decided not publish them at the moment even though I am in a position to do so and, indeed, very keen to do so. 

I do want to stress, though, that these circumstances have not been created by the Inquiry and are unrelated to the work of the Inquiry.

I also want to make it absolutely clear that I am keeping the position under constant review and as soon as I consider it is appropriate to make my findings public then - to those who are waiting to read what I have to say about the Benedictines’ treatment of children in their care at Fort Augustus and Carlekemp - please rest assured, I will do so.”