Child abuse survivors invited to apply for payouts up to £100,000

Payments are being made to those who suffered historical childhood abuse while in care

Child abuse survivors targeted in residential care in Scotland can now apply for financial redress payments of up to £100,000.

More than 700 advance payments have already been made to the terminally ill and those aged 68 or over.

The scheme has now officially opened to all applicants. Those eligible or their next-of-kin can apply for a minimum redress payment of £10,000.

It will be delivered by a new organisation named Redress Scotland.

The Scottish government said the process has been shaped by the views of survivors.

• Over £4m paid out to child abuse survivors

• Abusers could help with child victim payouts

• Childhood abuse payouts for 200 survivors

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish Parliament had united to confront "the scale and horror" of the abuse suffered by the country's most vulnerable children.

He added: "We cannot make up for that pain, and we cannot take away the devastating impact it has had on people's lives.

"But we can provide acknowledgement and tangible recognition of the harm caused, by offering redress to survivors through this scheme."

Mr Swinney invited survivors to apply "if it is the right choice for them" and praised the contribution made by victims to developing the scheme.

He said: "There is funding for independent legal advice to help survivors make that choice and support is available at every stage of the application process."

'Deeply troubling'

Redress Scotland chair Johnny Gwynne said: "This is an important day in the lives of survivors for whom this scheme is intended, and a milestone in Scotland's journey to addressing some of the deeply troubling incidents in its past."

The scheme's launch comes after the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent in April.

Where a survivor died on or after 1 December 2004, their spouse, partner, cohabitant or children may be able to apply for a next of kin redress payment of £10,000.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, which was set up in 2015, is currently examining the abuse of children in care in Scotland.

It has already published three reports into male religious orders run by the Marist Brothers, Christian Brothers and Benedictines .Daughters of Charity

Other reports have looked at the Sisters of Nazareth, Quarriers, Aberlour and Barnardos.