MORE than 100 survivors are to sue Glasgow City Council over alleged historic abuse at an all girls’ residential school. 

Legal papers have been submitted by lawyers acting on behalf of a group of women who claim to have been subjected to sex attacks at Fornethy House in Kilry, Angus.

The city’s local authority ran the institution for more than 30 years after being gifted the building in 1955. 

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Survivors want damages for alleged abuse that left them psychologically scarred, suicidal and with permanent injuries.

Youngsters were sent to the remote site to recover from bouts of illness - but were then allegedly sexually assaulted by older staff.

Last year 40 women came forward to reveal the alleged abuse they had been subjected to during their stays at the residential school.

Police are currently probing the historic abuse claims, with investigations ongoing.

Laura Connor, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors, who are working with the survivors, said: “This is the largest case of its type that we have ever been involved in and speaks to the decades long culture of physical and sexual abuse inflicted on young girls at this Glasgow Council run home. 

“The ladies involved have shown huge courage and have proved they will not by deflected or swept aside as they fight for recognition and justice from the City Council. 

“I am confident that my legal team can secure a fair and proper financial settlement for the women. 

“I urge Glasgow City Council to meet with us now so we can resolve these legal issues quickly and not further add to the suffering of the women involved.”

Detective inspector Mark Lamont, from Tayside Division, said: "Investigations into reports of non-recent child abuse can be complex and challenging and can take a significant time to investigate.

"Disclosures are often made many years after an incident took place and the passage of time can create challenges in tracing records and witnesses in order to progress enquiries.

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"The investigation into the abuse at Fornethy house is ongoing and involves a number of victims.

"All reports of child abuse will be fully investigated and we are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice. I would encourage anybody who has been the victim of abuse, either recently or in the past, please come forward and report the matter to us.”

A Glasgow council spokeswoman said: “We have now received claims in connection with Fornethy House and are currently logging them on to our claims system so that they can be actioned and the claims substantiated.”