Confronting the Legacy of Abuse at Scotland’s Nazareth House Orphanages
Recent court verdicts in Edinburgh have once again thrust into the spotlight the long and painful legacy of abuse suffered by children in Scotland’s Nazareth House orphanages.
More than four decades after the events took place, two former nuns Carol Buirds and Eileen McElhinney, alongside retired support worker Dorothy Kane, have been found guilty of inflicting violence, cruelty and humiliation on vulnerable children in their care.
The offences which took place between 1972 and 1981, paint a disturbing picture of life inside the Catholic-run homes in Kilmarnock and Lasswade.
Testimony from survivors revealed shocking and degrading treatment. Buirds, formerly known as Sister Carmel Rose, subjected children to physical assaults including punching, kicking and beating with sticks, belts and rulers. Her methods extended to psychological torment by forcing soap or food into children’s mouths, rubbing urine-soaked bedding on their heads and confining one child without food or water in a dark cellar.
McElhinney, formerly known as Sister Mary Eileen, was convicted of assaults involving threats and the use of cold showers as punishments. In one particularly harrowing attack she pushed a child to the floor before repeatedly kicking and jumping on him. The victim, now in his 60s recalled the overwhelming fear and helplessness he felt in that moment.
Kane, the support worker, was found to have dragged and restrained children violently and locked one boy in a cupboard. Her failure to intervene when witnessing abuse only deepened the harm inflicted.
These convictions follow years of testimony presented to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, where more than 300 individuals have come forward. Lady Smith, the Inquiry’s chair, has described Nazareth House homes as “places of fear, hostility and confusion.”
The senior investigating officer from Police Scotland’s National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Detective Inspector Lynn McPhail commented “This was a harrowing and complex investigation, and I hope these convictions bring some form of closure for those who were treated inhumanely.”
“I would like to thank the victims for coming forward. It is never easy, even with the passage of time, to talk about these kinds of experiences. The acts carried out by these women towards children they were supposed to be taking care of and protecting, were horrendous. I urge anyone who has experienced abuse to come forward, regardless of the passage of time. We have specialist officers you can speak to. Anyone with information or concerns about child abuse should call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
As sentencing awaits, these verdicts represent not only accountability but also validation for survivors who have waited decades to be heard. Their courage ensures these stories can no longer be buried, and that such failures are never repeated.
Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of abuse claim compensation.
If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.
Our Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.