AN inquiry into historic child abuse has heard of shocking neglect at an orphanage in Bridge of Weir.
Historic failings at Quarriers Village are being examined as part of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI).
As the latest phase of the probe got underway in Edinburgh yesterday, the first witness to give evidence was the daughter of a woman who was admitted to Quarriers in the early 1930s, at the age of 10.
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She told how her late mother was once made to cover her head with a soiled bedsheet, having suffered from diarrhoea, and go outside otherwise naked to clean it.
The witness also said “walk of shame” punishments were used when children did not complete chores to standard or wet the bed.
It was heard that her mother’s time in care had a lasting impact on her life.
The witness added: “She was sad. I think she fought constantly to feel good about herself.
“She didn’t talk much about feelings, I don’t think she could. She felt a tremendous amount of shame.”
Police have said more than 360 complaints of physical and sexual abuse have been made against people at orphanages run by Quarriers and two other organisations in Scotland – Barnardo’s and Aberlour.
Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen, representing Police Scotland, said investigations had been carried out relating to incidents dating back to the 1930s.
Lady Smith is chairing the inquiry
She added that 366 former residents had made complaints against 388 people.
A number of people have been convicted.
Kate Dowdalls QC read out a statement on behalf of Quarriers, saying: “I am instructed first to reiterate the unreserved apology that was offered to survivors of abuse on May 31, 2017, at the outset of the hearings during phase one of this inquiry.
“Quarriers acknowledges that children were subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse whilst in their care.
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“It is acknowledged that abuse occurred across generations at Quarriers Village.
“Quarriers acknowledges that there were shortcomings in its historical policies and practices which did not prevent abuse from occurring.”
The inquiry before Lady Smith continues tomorrow.
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