Scottish Catholic Observer

Fr Francis Davidson, one of the few surviving headmasters of the school, faces accusations of covering up child sex abuse during his time as headmaster at Fort Augustus (above) in the 1970s. As a result, he has left his post as monastic superior of St Benet’s Hall at Oxford where he cared for the welfare of students.

In a statement he offered his sympathies to any victims of historic abuse and said he was ‘shocked and saddened’ to hear of the allegations.

“I do not recall them being reported to me during my time as headmaster of Fort Augustus Abbey School,” he said. “As investigations into matters at Fort Augustus Abbey School and Carlekemp Priory School are ongoing, I have stepped aside from my role as religious superior at St Benet’s Hall.”

A recent BBC investigation uncovered a number of cases of child abuse at Fort Augustus, which lies within Aberdeen Diocese, and Carlekamp, its feeder school, in East Lothian. Both schools are now closed.

Since the BBC broadcast last month, more alleged victims have come forward. In total, 10 monks are now accused of physical abuse, four monks and one lay teacher of sexual abuse and three headmasters are accused of cover-ups, it is reported.

Following the BBC investigation, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen travelled to St Peter’s and St Benedict’s parish in Fort Augustus to celebrate Mass and expressed his profound sorrow after hearing news of the abuse cases, which are alleged to have taken place in the 1950s and 1960s.

The bishop said it was ‘bitter, shaming and distressing’ that young boys were abused at the school.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the allegations of abuse at Fort Augustus, while the NSPCC is calling for a full independent inquiry into abuse at the Highland school.

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