Ian Blackford MP named the teacher

A former maths teacher accused of child sexual abuse at Scottish private schools in Edinburgh during the 60s and 70s has been named by SNP MP Ian Blackford in the House of Commons, The Herald has reported.

Previously referred to as “Edgar” under an anonymity order at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, the teacher is living in South Africa and contesting attempts to extradite him to Scotland.

Last month, a former pupil of Fettes College, where he taught was awarded £450,000 in damages, while the school offered a “full and unreserved apology to anyone who suffered abuse” at the school.

In the Commons Blackford said: “All of us in this house will prioritise keeping school children safe from sexual predators and I am sure the minister will be aware of the Scottish Child Abuse enquiry detailing the horrific allegations from a number of witnesses to events at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes schools by an individual referred to as Edgar. I have a number of constituents who have complaints against Edgar. This man has admitted to inappropriate behaviour and is currently fighting extradition from South Africa where he has been publicly named.

“There is precedence in England where another alleged abuser living in South Africa whose extradition has been sought has been publicly named. We now know that there are dozens of boys who have come forward to the police with allegations against the man referred to as Edgar. It is important that others who were abused by this man can come forward.

“It is right that his crimes against children are named and it is also right that he is now named.”

Blackford then named the man.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan responded: “Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and the government is sympathetic to the victims and survivors of such abuse as set out in November in response to the final report of the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

“It is important that due process is followed, allowing investigatory and legal processes to take place in order to maximise the chances of conviction.”