Young people in the area who may have gone through residential accommodation will be able to give evidence at an inquiry next year.

In the second half of 2023, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will hear from those who went through residential accommodation for young offenders and children and young people in need of care and protection.

The inquiry is investigating a range of case studies and a number of people have already been given by applicants.

Lady Smith, chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, said: “Many people have already come forward and we are making good progress with our investigations.

“We would encourage anyone with relevant information to get in touch with the Inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible.

“We are particularly keen to hear from former residents, former staff, managers and those involved in inspections.”

The Inquiry wants to hear from any person who has evidence or information about abuse between 1930 and 2014 at:

- Any approved school or former approved school;

- Any List D school or former List D school;

- Any place used as secure accommodation for children and young people under 18;

- Any remand homes for children and young people under 18;

- Any assessment centre for children and young people under 18;

- Borstal institutions, remand institutions, detention centres and young offenders’ institutions or other institutions used to accommodate children which were run by the Scottish Prison Service.

The Inquiry’s witness support team can be contacted on 0800 0929 300, or emailed at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot.