Overview
- Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth told MSPs she will establish a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 with the fullest investigatory powers.
- Professor Alexis Jay, who previously led the Rotherham child sexual exploitation inquiry, has been appointed to chair the Scottish inquiry.
- The remit will assess Scotland’s response to group‑based child sexual abuse and exploitation, including current and recent prevalence.
- A parallel Truth Project, to be led by John O’Brien, will record testimony from victims and survivors to inform the inquiry’s work.
- The move replaces a December national review after sustained criticism, with Conservatives calling it overdue, Labour pressing for transparency on what changed, and survivors such as “Taylor” and Holly Alex welcoming the decision; an earlier finding also reprimanded Angela Constance for misrepresenting Jay’s remarks.