Hundreds of children are thought to have been abused at Edinburgh Academy and other Scottish schools, with 84-year-old Iain Wares at the centre of the scandal. Dubbed 'Jimmy Savile mark II' by MP Ian Blackford, Wares spent more than 40 years as a teacher, moving between schools despite allegations of child sexual abuse. The Scottish child abuse inquiry (SCAI) recently held a three-week hearing into the historic scandal at Edinburgh Academy, where Wares taught in the early 1970s.
Wares began his teaching career in 1966 at St George's Grammar in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was a housemaster and rugby coach. Former pupils describe him as angry and sadistic, with one alleging he would pinch boys hard while pushing his hand up their shorts. Within a year, Wares either resigned or was sacked, and sought psychiatric help for his 'urges' in Edinburgh.
He later taught at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, where broadcaster Nicky Campbell witnessed him assaulting a friend. Despite multiple allegations, Wares was able to move between schools without facing justice. He now lives freely in Cape Town, despite an extradition process marred by errors.
The inquiry heard that nine former pupils have killed themselves, 'at least in part because of their experience' at the school, according to Alan McLean KC. Survivors have campaigned for justice, leading to changes in the inquiry's rules. The case has raised questions about how institutions protect children from predators.
