News: NAS to review public records legislation

The Scottish Government has invited the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) to review Scottish public records legislation in light of the recommendations of the Historical Abuse Systemic Review report (the Shaw Report) which was published in November 2007. Adam Ingram, Minister for Children & Early Years, gave a response in the Scottish Parliament to the Shaw recommendations. This independent review had carried out a two year investigation into the background of abuse suffered by children in residential schools and children's homes in Scotland between 1950 and 1995.

The Minister announced a number of measures, one of which is the review of public records legislation. Others include the creation of a "truth and reconciliation forum" to help victims of historic abuse discuss their experiences while in residential care.

For details of the Ministerial announcement see the websites of The Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and the BBC, which can be accessed via the links under Other websites.