A former physical education teacher at Edinburgh Academy has been found guilty of 26 counts of abuse against students, following a court examination of the facts. John Young, known as Jake, who taught at the prestigious Scottish private school from 1966 to 1993, was accused of both physical and sexual misconduct towards boys, some as young as 10 years old.

Court Findings and Health Considerations

Due to Young's advanced age and deteriorating health, the 91-year-old was deemed unfit to stand trial. Instead, Edinburgh Sheriff Court conducted a rare examination of the facts, concluding that Young had committed numerous acts of abuse. The court heard testimonies of Young's violent behavior, including kicking a boy recovering from a spinal injury and using a cricket bat to strike students. Despite the guilty verdicts, no further legal action will be taken against Young due to his health.

Historical Context and Broader Inquiry

The revelations about Young's misconduct come amid a larger public inquiry into historical abuse in Scottish schools and care homes. This inquiry has uncovered a pattern of abuse at Edinburgh Academy, with allegations against 20 staff members spanning several decades. The case of John Brownlee, another former teacher at the school, mirrors Young's, with both men found guilty of numerous assaults without formal trials.

Institutional Response and Survivor Reactions

In response to these findings, Edinburgh Academy has issued a public apology, acknowledging the "brutal and unrestrained" violence that occurred within its walls. Barry Welsh, the rector of the school, expressed regret over the past abuses and commended the bravery of former pupils who came forward. A spokesperson for the survivors' group noted that the court's decision provides some comfort to the victims, many of whom were not believed at the time of the incidents.