Senior politicians are demanding that Police Scotland reopen its investigation into sexual assault allegations against the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, following disturbing claims he attempted to rape a woman at his Scottish Highland estate.
Parliamentary Pressure Mounts
Members of Parliament have written directly to Scotland's Chief Constable, asserting it is 'entirely likely' the millionaire businessman committed sex crimes within Scottish borders. The intervention comes after former police officer and current Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain joined forces with fellow MP Dave Robertson to establish an All Party Parliamentary Group focusing on the growing scandal.
The parliamentary action follows shocking testimony from Sophia Stone, a 57-year-old former Harrods employee, who detailed how Al Fayed attempted to rape her at Balnagown Castle in Ross-shire back in 1991. A second woman has since come forward alleging she was sexually assaulted by another member of the Fayed family at the same estate three decades ago.
Failed Initial Investigation
Despite Ms Stone reporting the attack to Police Scotland in 2020, officers concluded they couldn't corroborate her claims. The victim expressed deep frustration with the original investigation, stating: 'Crucial questions were never asked, particularly about the people who enabled the abuse, facilitated it, or looked the other way.'
Ms Stone emotionally described Balnagown as a 'castle of horrors' that has haunted her since the incident. 'I will never be able to get over what happened to me at Balnagown,' she revealed. 'Reopening the police investigation is the only way that the full truth will finally be uncovered.'
Growing Number of Victims Emerge
The scale of Al Fayed's alleged crimes has expanded dramatically since Ms Stone's husband, Keaton, began investigating after learning about his wife's ordeal. His work has prompted more than 400 women to come forward seeking justice, with the Metropolitan Police currently examining over 150 separate allegations against the former Harrods tycoon.
Mr Stone emphasised that many crimes occurred at Balnagown, which Al Fayed purchased in 1972 and used as his Scottish base until his death in 2023. 'His vast Highland estate served perfectly as a rural prison where none of the young women he abused could run away,' he stated.
In her formal letter to the Chief Constable, MP Chamberlain acknowledged the previous investigation closure but stressed: 'The scale of the offences Fayed is accused of is vast. Given the earliest known allegation against Fayed dates back to 1977 and accounts of horrendous sexual abuse taking place over international borders, it seems entirely likely that crimes were committed within Scotland.'
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed they had received the letter and would respond in due course. The Fayed family continues to own Balnagown Castle, though locals are demanding its sale to compensate victims as the full extent of the businessman's crimes becomes public.
