Council faces claims of 100 women as police investigate deluge of allegations

MORE than 100 survivors are to sue Glasgow City Council over alleged historical abuse at an all girls’ residential school.

Legal papers have been submitted by lawyers acting on behalf of a group of women who claim to have been subjected to sex attacks at Fornethy House in Kilry, Angus.

The city’s local authority ran the institution for more than 30 years after being gifted the building in 1955. Survivors want damages for alleged abuse that left them psychologically scarred, suicidal and with permanent injuries.

Youngsters were sent to the remote site to recover from illness – but were then allegedly sexually assaulted by staff. Last year, 40 women came forward to allege abuse during stays at the residential school.

Police are currently investigating the historic abuse claims. Laura Connor, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors, which is working with the survivors, said: “This is the largest case of its type that we have ever been involved in and speaks to the decades-long culture of physical and sexual abuse inflicted on young girls at this Glasgow council-run home. The ladies involved have shown huge courage and have proved they will not be deflected or swept aside as they fight for recognition and justice from the city council.”

Detective Inspector Mark Lamont, from Tayside Division, said: “The investigation into the abuse at Fornethy house is ongoing and involves a number of victims. All reports of child abuse will be fully investigated.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We have now received claims in connection with Fornethy House and are currently logging them on to our claims system so they can be actioned and the claims substantiated.”