Kerelaw abuse claims: what next for survivors of the North Ayrshire school?

Kerelaw Residential School in Stevenston was aimed to provide care and education for vulnerable young people - instead it became the epicentre of one of Scotland’s most serious historic abuse scandals.

The abuse at Kerelaw spanned several decades, with survivors subjected to sexual, physical and psychological attacks. Allegations describe systematic violence, humiliation and neglect - often carried out by those in positions of trust and authority. Kerelaw is described by survivors as a place where violence was ever-present and required constant vigilance. Children learned to expect harm from those meant to protect them, and trust was replaced by fear.

Sadly, we now know childhood abuse is not rare – it has infected Scotland’s institutions for decades. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, mainstream and social media, and legal case law proves this.

In fact, “sadly” doesn’t even come close to describing this. Historic abuse is arguably the greatest shame of modern Scotland and the countless experiences of brave survivors across the nation continue to horrify all who hear them, even among the most experienced abuse lawyers. 

Over the years, I have spoken with survivors whose earliest encounters with Kerelaw began not in its halls, but as a threat echoing through their childhoods. Being labelled as “bad children”, they were warned that Kerelaw was where they would end up if they did not “behave.” That reputation cast Kerelaw as a place of last resort, a school for those that society had decided were too troublesome for anywhere else.

Children’s impression of Kerelaw was not merely a home for children in need of care or guidance, but a place synonymous with punishment, exclusion, and fear. The narrative was that Kerelaw was “full of the worst of the worst”. 

What makes Kerelaw complex, like many other closed-environment locations, is those in charge effectively had unchecked absolute power over children in their care – this toxic power dynamic fostered conditions that enabled abuse which could go unchecked for years… regardless of children’s complaints. 

Investigations into Kerelaw gained momentum in the early 2000s, after the closure of the school in 2006. A 2009 probe by Glasgow City Council revealed a pattern of abuse and a failure of oversight, leading to a wider understanding of the scale and severity of what had occurred. Criminal convictions have already been secured against former staff like Matthew George and John Muldoon – in 2022 both were jailed for 16 years and 12 years respectively after being found guilty of multiple crimes including rape. It was also the second time they were both convicted of abuse. 

However, Police Scotland is still investigating Kerelaw abuse – last year the probe was declared a “critical incident”, and 10 further people were reportedly arrested and questioned.

What next for Kerelaw survivors?

Many survivors of Kerelaw I’ve spoken with feel a great sense of relief to finally be heard and taken seriously, especially those whose earlier complaints (often as children) were either dismissed or purposefully swept under the rug. 

But one thing that can continue to cause just a little unrest is “the not knowing” …

Now that matters are in the hands of the police it can be difficult for many survivors to know what to do next. 

• How long will a prosecution take?
• Is there a way I can help other people?
• What options do I have beyond the criminal process?

While there’s no black-and-white answer to the first question (it’s very much in the hands of the police and fiscals) I can certainly confirm there are other things a person can do without having to wait for the criminal process to end. In fact, it’s often better to not wait because acting quicker means things can be completed more quickly and in parallel with each other.

A Kerelaw compensation claim with Irwin Mitchell Scotland 

Many survivors come to us feeling nervous and unsure, which is completely understandable after the trust they have lost from those who should have kept them safe.

The work we do does not merely end with a financial sum: it gives access to specialist therapy or counselling, support networks and make up for a life many people lost out on. 

After an initial discussion about your experience, we can advise on your best legal route whether that is a Redress Scotland application or a civil claim. We believe a civil claim will always be the best option for survivors to consider as the government redress scheme is capped and, in our experience, the sum given to survivors rarely reflects the full extent of how they were impacted. We recognise that pursuing a civil claim may not always be appropriate for everyone, and we are committed to providing comprehensive, holistic, and carefully considered advice regarding all available options.

A no win, no fee historic abuse claim can be complex, but we make sure it’s not intimidating. There’s a lot of evidence to gather but it’s US who will carry out the complex work on your behalf –we'll always make sure to keep you informed in clear, straightforward language, so you always know what’s happening now and what to anticipate next.

The team at Irwin Mitchell – led by renowned expert Kim Leslie - is experienced in helping survivors gather and present the necessary evidence, working with empathy and sensitivity. They can assist in contacting authorities, accessing old records, and collating supporting materials which may strengthen your claim.

The story of Kerelaw is a stark reminder of the necessity for vigilance and compassion in the care of society’s most vulnerable.

For those who suffered at Kerelaw, seeking compensation is more than a legal action—it is a meaningful step towards personal healing and societal recognition of past wrongs. With expert guidance, survivors do not have to walk this path alone. Empowered with knowledge and support, they can pursue justice and hope for a future where such abuse is never repeated.