In the 1970s, Nicky Campbell disclosed for the first time that he was a victim of sexual assault at an Edinburgh private school.
The 61-year-old man stated that he observed and endured sexual and serious bodily assault at Edinburgh Academy.
He told that the abuse had a “deep effect” on his life and was “obsessed” with him.
The Academy apologized “completely” and stated that it had assisted law enforcement.
Campbell told 5 Live listeners: “I was severely beaten up in school by a teacher who was a prominent person in the scripture union – my mother took it as far as she could and got a groveling apology from him, but was essentially stonewalled and the school covered it up.
“Those were different times, and I’ve never forgotten that.
And there was a teacher named Hamish Dawson, who is now deceased, who had frequently wandering hands; many of us were on the receiving end, and my friends and I still speak of him with total disdain. We were 12.
“There was, however, something more I will never forget.
“Being in a locker room at age 10 – after playing rugby – and witnessing a teacher verbally insult my friend. I cannot describe it here, and I will never be able to forget it.
“We all knew this man was a predator and sadist, but we never revealed it. Anyone. My schoolmates and I continue to express scorn, amazement, and bewilderment over the fact that the incident occurred in plain sight and no action was taken.
“And why didn’t we as young boys inform anyone in authority about what was happening? I’m not sure.
“I decided to contact the journalist Alex Renton to inform him about this man whom we all believed had vanished into thin air and had likely perished.”
“When I spoke with Alex, I said, ‘I have to tell you about this man and something that haunts me.’ I didn’t suffer at his hands, nor was I a victim of his abuse, but I know how it affected those he did target.
“Their entire lives – there were plenty. What I witnessed was horrifying, and I realized how much it has become a permanent fixture in my mind.
“When I told Alex his name, he completed it for me by adding his surname. He was referred to as “Edgar” in the program. It was a remarkable moment. I considered all of my friends. All of them young boys.
“But finally, someone informed the adults.
“And then three words I will never forget: he is still alive.
“I calculated, based on other witness statements in the file, survivor accounts, and his long career as a teacher with consistently good references, that he could be among the most prolific child molesters in British criminal history.
“Attempts to extradite him have failed, and he lives abroad with his wife in luxurious retirement. He has been arrested, but he cannot be charged until he gets on British territory, which is unlikely.
‘Deep remorse’
The Edinburgh Academy regrets what occurred in the past and apologizes sincerely to everyone affected, according to a representative.
“We have worked extensively with the relevant authorities, including Police Scotland, on their investigations and would like to assure you that a great deal has changed since the 1970s.”
Child protection training is increasingly fundamental to the Academy’s mission.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has heard the testimony of child abuse at the Edinburgh Academy and other Scottish elite schools, including Gordonstoun, which the late Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales attended. This school has issued an apology to anyone who was abused while in its care.
In 2015, the Scottish government initiated an investigation headed by Judge Lady Smith. It will report the findings of its investigations to Scottish ministers and make policy and legal recommendations.
