Fornethy House survivors “disappointed” teacher who abused them will not be jailed

In October 2025 Patricia Robertson, also known as Baxter, was found guilty of the cruel and unnatural treatment of 18 children while she worked at the Angus residential school between 1969 and 1984.

Robertson was then ordered to pay each victim £1,000 and handed a one year restriction of liberty order to stay indoors between 3pm and 7am.

Prosecutors appealed the sentence and asked judges to jail Robertson.

But earlier this year the bid failed leaving the original sentence in place. 

Two women, both being helped by Digby Brown with a civil claim against the school, were upset by the final decision. 

One woman said: “I’m really disappointed a jail sentence isn’t being considered.

“That woman has hurt dozens of children while working at Fornethy and left them with lifelong trauma. 

“It’s disheartening for me and all the survivors to see her walk freely but we can never escape the impact our experiences at that house have had on us.”

The second former pupil added: “I still don’t know why I was sent to Fornethy as a child and I’ve still never had an apology from the Glasgow Corporation for the abuse I suffered.

“We should have been safe at Fornethy House. We should have had the holiday of fun and friendship we were promised but instead we were abused and humiliated.”

Digby Brown is supporting several survivors who experienced abuse at Fornethy House with civil legal action. 

Catherine Hammond, Senior Associate with the firm’s Non-Accidental Team, is committed to helping people with Fornethy abuse claims.

She said: “Fornethy House was meant to be a safe place for young girls but instead they were left with lifelong trauma. 

“I commend each person who has spoken about their experiences - it helps break the walls of silence.”

More coverage on this story can be found on STV and The Courier.