Former teacher, 77, convicted of historical abuse of girls at Fornethy House

A retired teacher has been convicted of the historical abuse of children at a former residential school in Angus.

Patricia Robertson faced a total of 25 charges, which took place at Fornethy House between 1967 and 1983.

The 77-year-old was found guilty of 18 charges involving the cruel and unnatural treatment of children in her care, including force-feeding them until they gagged, striking them with a ruler and dragging them by their hair.

One survivor told jurors: “I just wanted to curl up like a wee baby. I still do not understand how an adult could be like that.”

Some of those involved were as young as four or five at the time of the abuse.

Robertson, now of Witham in Essex, was found to have punched and kicked a child aged 11, forced her to remove her clothing and made her stand in a cold room for a prolonged period.

The same child also had a postcard written for her mum ripped up, and was slapped on the face.

Glasgow City Council has apologised to the girls abused at Fornethy House STV News

Another child, aged between five and 11, had derogatory remarks made to her, had food forced into her mouth, and a shoe and blackboard duster hurled at her, as well as being dragged by the hair.

Robertson was also convicted of forcing a child to walk when her feet were injured, making another sleep in soiled bedsheets and ridiculing them for bedwetting.

The former teacher had denied the accusations during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

She accepted having a “strong voice” when dealing with the girls, but insisted she was not violent or bullied them.

Thousands of girls from disadvantaged backgrounds were sent to Fornethy House in Kilry, for “short-term respite care” by Glasgow Corporation – later renamed Glasgow City Council – and its education services between 1960 and the 1990s.

The stays often lasted several weeks before the children were returned to their parents.

In the years following the school’s closure, hundreds of survivors began speaking out about the physical and sexual abuse they had endured.

The court heard how one victim believed she ended up at Fornethy twice following an arrangement between her own school, her local council and her family.

She did not recall being taught regular subjects – such as English and maths.

Instead, the woman spoke of playing games and tasks such as going for long walks and flower pressing.

Robertson is due to be sentenced on December 3.

In a statement released through their solicitors Digby Brown, a group of Fornethy House survivors said: “As children we were promised a summer of fun at Fornethy House, but all we found was fear.

“It was supposed to be a place of care, but we were subjected to cruelty which continues to have a profound impact on our lives.

“Today’s verdict isn’t just about punishing those responsible for inflicting physical, mental and emotional abuse on us as children – it’s recognition we didn’t deserve to be treated that way.

“It has been a long, hard battle to get to this point, and we thank everyone who has supported us, but now we wish for our privacy to be respected as we process these outcomes.”

Thompsons Solicitors, who represent 218 survivors, commend the bravery of all those who came forward to share their experiences.

Laura Connor, from Thompsons Partner, Life Impact Team said: “This is a watershed moment for our clients and all those who suffered at Fornethy House.

“It has taken immense courage to come forward, and we have nothing but admiration for the strength and dignity our client have shown through this process.

“We have heard them in court and also heard of the positive impact their testimony had on other survivors. Today’s conviction is a crucial milestone in a long fight for truth and accountability. Our clients have spoken of their happiness and relief at finally being heard, and believed.

That is possibly one of the most important points to come of this. Those who gave evidence at court, spoke on behalf of so many others.

“We now turn our focus to the civil courts and on securing the justice and compensation that many will be entitled to.”