People who were abused as children at King Charles’ former school, Gordonstoun, are still waiting for compensation, according to abuse victim and campaigner John Findlay. Some have been waiting for six years for a resolution, despite the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry ruling that for decades child abuse had been allowed to flourish unchecked at the institution. Gordonstoun has apologised to anyone who was abused while in its care. Findlay said he secured a six-figure payout in 2022 that helped pay for care for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Two other people are seeking compensation related to former Gordonstoun teacher Andrew Keir.
Keir was jailed for a year in 2018 for lewd acts involving pupils at swimming sessions. Findlay said proper compensation could be vital for these people to receive help for their mental health issues. While the school has said it has encouraged those affected by abuse to seek compensation, the process has been delayed on the insurers’ side. Gordonstoun was founded in 1934 by a German Jewish educationist, Kurt Hahn, who wanted to create well-rounded citizens, with a focus on life skills and service as much as academic achievement.
Earlier this year, King Charles became a patron of the Gordonstoun Association, a role previously held by his father Prince Philip, who also attended the school. The Scottish Child Abuse inquiry has uncovered a litany of abuse at institutions across Scotland. Its findings include Kibble education and care centre in Paisley and the former Smyllum Park orphanage in Lanark. The government has set up a redress scheme for survivors of abuse in Scottish care homes, backed by more than £100m, and paid out more than £1bn to victims of historical abuse in England and Wales.
Gordonstoun acknowledged the SCAI report was upsetting, adding that it was shocking that abuse that had been experienced in the past had endured for 30-40 years, and even for some 50 years. Principal Lisa Kerr said that they respect and thank those who have spoken up about their experiences and those who gave evidence to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and that they will continue to signpost legal advice and provide support information for those affected by historic abuse. The school is pressing for the claims to be resolved as quickly as possible
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