28-04-2025
Dumfries and Galloway under spotlight in next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
Dumfries and Galloway will come under the spotlight during the next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. The ninth phase begins on Tuesday, with evidence being heard on a number of sites – including Ladyfield at the Crichton in Dumfries and Woodlands School in Newton Stewart – over the next three weeks. The evidence will relate to the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities. A spokesperson for the inquiry said: 'Over the next three weeks our focus will be on healthcare settings – primarily those which provided for children with learning disabilities or mental health needs. 'This will cover provision by three NHS institutions – Lennox Castle, Ladyfield (and other units at the Crichton Royal) - and the Royal Scottish National Hospital. 'It will also cover St Joseph's, Rosewell (operated by the Daughters of Charity), and Algrade (operated by the Algrade Trust). 'In late May, the focus will move to other settings, including residential schools providing for children with additional support needs.' NHS Dumfries and Galloway is among the organisations due to give an opening statement on Tuesday, with chief executive Julie White appearing on Wednesday. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. The independently-run Woodlands School – also known as Monken Hadley and Corsbie Hall – closed around two decades ago. The investigation into abuse at these establishments covers the period from within living memory until the end of 2014. It will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint. The inquiry will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced and/or witnessed abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
