A police investigation has been launched into historic claims of abuse at a school attended by BBC presenter Nicky Campbell after he spoke out about his experiences.
Campbell had attended Edinburgh Academy in the 1970s where he alleged he had suffered abuse by a teacher.
Police Scotland has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the historic claims of abuse which is ‘live and ongoing’.
A spokesperson for the force said in a statement: ‘While the investigation of child abuse, particularly non-recent offences, can be complex and challenging, anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that we will listen and we will investigate all reports, no matter when those offences occurred or who committed them.
‘If you have suffered abuse, or you know anyone who may have been the victim of child abuse, then please call Police Scotland on 101.’
Campbell had opened up about his experiences on an episode of his podcast, Different He, admitting it had a ‘profound effect on my life’.
He spoke out about it further on BBC Radio 5 Live, claiming: ‘I was badly beaten up at school by a teacher who was a leading light in the scripture union.
‘My mother took it as far as she could and got a grovelling apology from [the man involved], but was essentially stonewalled and it was hushed up by the school.
‘Those were different times and that has stayed with me all my life.’
Edinburgh Academy said it ‘deeply’ regrets the allegations and ‘wholeheartedly’ apologised to those involved, adding that it would be working closely with the police on their investigation.
It said in a previous statement: ‘We have worked closely with the relevant authorities including Police Scotland with their inquiries and would like to provide reassurance that things have dramatically changed since the 1970s.
‘The Academy has robust measures in place to safeguard children at the school with child protection training now core to the ethos of the Academy.’