Nuns among 12 people arrested over historical alleged abuse at Smyllum Park orphanage

Four more people being referred to prosecutors, police say

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is investigating what occurred at Smyllum Park Orphanage (Lanark Museum)

Nuns have been arrested over historical allegations of child abuse at the Catholic Smyllum Park orphanage in Scotland.

The nuns were among 12 people detained as part of an investigation into the Lanark home, which was run by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul and closed in 1981, Police Scotland said.

Detectives said the people arrested were 11 women and one man, aged between 62 and 85.

Former residents gave evidence about their experiences of Smyllum Park at Scotland’s child abuse inquiry earlier this year.

Police said a further four individuals would be reported to prosecutors.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Twelve people, eleven women and one man, ages ranging from 62 to 85 years, have been arrested and charged in connection with the non-recent abuse of children.

“All are subject of reports to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal. A further four individuals will be reported today.

“Enquiries are continuing. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, from the national child abuse investigation unit, said: “Investigating child abuse offences is highly complex and every care is taken to ensure that enquiries are proportionate, appropriate and that victims’ needs are central to our investigations.

“If you or anyone you know has been a victim of abuse or wishes to report abuse you should feel confident in reporting to Police Scotland.

“We will listen and we will take action regardless of when or where the abuse occurred."

Lady Smith, the High Court judge who is leading the public inquiry, is expected to publish her report into allegations of abuse at Smyllum Park in the next few weeks.

Last year, the remains of some 400 children who lived at the orphanage were thought to have been located in a section of St Mary’s Cemetery in Lanark.

Smyllum Park took in some 11,000 children between 1864 and 1981, according to reports.

Additional reporting by PA