Sisters of Nazareth children’s home survivor welcomes jailing of cruel nun

“It just felt right seeing the handcuffs on the woman who abused me as a child.” 

A woman who was abused as a child at Nazareth House children’s home has spoken for the first time after the Catholic nun who tormented her was jailed. 

Carol Buirds, also known as Sister Carmel Rose, was jailed for 15 months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after being found guilty of 13 charges relating to assaults and the cruel and unnatural treatment of children between 1972 and 1981.

Two other women were also sentenced alongside Buirds - former nun Eileen McElhinney, known as Sister Mary Eileen, was sentenced to 240 hours of unpaid work and a restriction of liberty order for nine months after being found guilty of five charges of assault, cruel and unnatural treatment of children.

Retired home worker Dorothy Kane was found guilty of two charges of cruel and unnatural treatment of children and given 150 hours of unpaid work. 

Speaking after the sentencing, the survivor affected by Buirds said: “There is only one word to describe my time at Nazareth House - fear.

“I was sent to that home as a young child where I lived constantly on edge, scared I would be punished no matter what I did.

“No one wanted to listen, no one wanted to hear about the abuse I endured and I have carried that trauma throughout my life alone. Until today.

“It just felt right seeing the handcuffs on the woman who abused me as a child. 

“Today I have been heard. Today and forever more I am believed.”

The adult survivor – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is one of many survivors now being helped by Digby Brown’s Non-Accidental Team with a legal action against The Sisters of Nazareth. 

The aim of the historic abuse claims is to ensure each survivor gets the recognition they deserve while providing them access to specialist support and compensation they are entitled to.

Senior Associate Catherine Hammond added: “Today’s sentencing marks a significant moment of accountability for historic abuse suffered by vulnerable children in care. 

“The sentences handed down at Edinburgh Sheriff Court reflect the seriousness of the sustained and cruel treatment inflicted on young residents more than four decades ago, and acknowledge the courage of all those who came forward to give evidence. 

“While no sentence can fully address the lifelong impact of the abuse endured by survivors, we welcome the court’s recognition of the harm caused. 

“Our client, along with others who were subject to harm in these institutions, has shown immense strength in seeking justice and truth.

“We hope that today’s outcome offers some measure of validation and contributes to their wider journey of recovery. 

“We continue to support our client in her civil claim for compensation, which remains ongoing. 

“That process seeks to secure financial redress for the profound personal and psychological consequences of the abuse.”

The sentencing of the Nazareth House abusers was reported in media outlets across the country including Daily Record, The Scottish Sun and LBC.