“The summer of fun and friendship we were promised was a lie” - Fornethy House survivor shares harrowing first-hand account of abuse

A woman who was abused at a residential school in Angus has spoken for the first time about the lifelong impact it has had on her.

The brave survivor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sent to Fornethy House as a young child in 1977 where she says she was physically assaulted within minutes of arriving.

Former teacher Patricia Robertson was convicted of 18 charges relating to the cruel and unnatural treatment of children and this week was sentenced to three years supervision, a curfew and ordered to pay the 18 complainers £1000 each after appearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Our client, who gave evidence at Robertson’s prosecution, is now continuing her pursuit for justice with a civil claim and hopes her poignant account will help others find the strength to step forward.

The woman said: “This was the first time I spent any time away from my mum so I remember feeling that way when you’re a little bit nervous and a little bit excited – but very quickly it turned into only fear.

“The abuse started almost immediately. I didn’t even have my jacket off before Robertson turned on me.

“She started screaming at me because I closed the bathroom door. I didn’t hear her say to keep it open.

“She grabbed me by my arm, lifted me off my feet and whacked my backside.

“When I looked up I saw all the other girls faces and some of them were crying and that’s when I realised the summer of fun and friendship we had been promised was a lie – I then became quite introverted and tried to hide.

“Knowing Robertson has finally been convicted means she can’t escape what she has done - the prosecution proves abuse did happen at Fornethy House and it was wrong.

“It’s also quite surreal seeing her held responsible for the harm she caused because when you’re a wee kid you just think everything is your fault and you must deserve these things.

“Giving evidence was difficult but I’m glad I was able to finally speak about things and let people hear my own personal experience. Although the charges relating to my complaint were found not proven, I’m still happy for those girls who did secure a conviction for what happened to them.

“For nearly 50 years I have carried the pain, the memories and the trauma of what I endured – as all former Fornethy residents understand, there is no punishment that can make up for the past.”

Digby Brown’s Non-Accidental Team is now supporting several women with separate legal actions relating to abuse at Fornethy House.

Catherine Hammond, Senior Associate at Digby Brown, added: “Fornethy House was meant to be a safe place for young girls to create happy memories but instead they were left with lifelong trauma. 

“I would like to commend our client and each person who has spoken about their experiences - whether they’ve reported their accounts to the police or confided in a loved one, it all helps break the walls of silence which perpetrators rely on to escape punishment. 

“I know many people will welcome the conviction of Robertson but for many people this will not necessarily mean ‘closure’ as wounds do not end just because court proceedings do - it should also be noted that a conviction is not essential for making a civil claim.”

More coverage on this story can be found on Daily Record, The Telegraph and Hello Rayo.