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IT started out as whispers between lawyers over boozy lunches and mutterings of discontent in police canteens.
A group of gay judges and lawyers were conspiring to ensure soft treatment for homosexual criminals, or so went the rumour that spread through Edinburgh legal circles in the late 1980s.
The talk was of a "magic circle" reaching the highest levels of the Scottish legal system and the potential blackmail of judges by "rent boys".
The gossip grew on the back of police frustration at the outcome of a series of fraud and other cases, where officers felt that defendants who happened to be gay had been unusually leniently treated.
It would all no doubt have died a quiet death if it were not for the bizarre events which took place one Sunday night at the police headquarters at Fettes.
At around midnight on July 19, 1992, an intruder slipped in through an open window – which was apparently left unlatched by detectives who used it as a shortcut to the car park – and made his way to the offices of the Serious Crime Squad.
Daubing Animal Liberation Front slogans on the walls as a smokescreen, he spent two hours searching the offices, including that of Deputy Commander Jimmy Smith, before making off with a haul of confidential files.
Among the two holdalls full of missing documents were ones listing details of police informants, Loyalist sympathisers and Animal Liberation Front activists, but there was one particular police report which would cause huge embarrassment to the force.
It examined the alleged existence of the so-called "magic circle" within the highest echelons of the Scottish judiciary.
Written by a respected senior detective, Detective Inspector Roger Orr, it concluded there was evidence to support claims that justice was being seriously subverted by "a well-established circle of homosexuals", including judges, sheriffs and lawyers. Significantly, the report named names.
The police dossier listed five court cases where the outcome caused concern among officers and lawyers and concluded that "homosexuality may well have been used as a means to seriously interfere with the administration of justice".
Now there was panic at police headquarters. The possibilities – including a potential goldmine for blackmailers and the undermining of public faith in the judicial system – did not bear thinking about.
Derek Donaldson, 32, a convicted fraudster and valued police informant, was quickly identified as the prime suspect.
Frantic efforts were made to recover the documents – attempts that would lead to the downfall of some of Lothian's top detectives. One former senior detective, who was serving on the force at the time, recalls: "This was a perfect example of a storm in a teacup. You had a very dangerous and Machiavellian informant who had been allowed to gain a position of influence and power because he was good at what he did. But he was a double-dyed manipulator.
"Then we had some very ill-advised junior detectives who had allowed themselves to be convinced that there was some sort of conspiracy. But they failed to follow the evidence.
"Whether there was any conspiracy, I can't answer. What I can answer is that there was no evidence of it."
Two detectives, Det Chief Supt William Hiddleston and Det Sgt Peter Brown, eventually promised Donaldson immunity from prosecution as long as the documents were returned.
Within weeks, the files had been dumped at the council tip off Dalkeith Road and police informed, but detectives naturally suspected the most sensitive documents had been copied.
The deal did not prove popular with the high command, however, who were anxious to see an arrest to act as a deterrent. When he heard of it, Chief Constable Sir William Sutherland immediately vetoed the immunity arrangement.
The force was under immense scrutiny. The internal report and its controversial initial conclusion was leaked to the Evening News, sparking a national sensation.
The Crown Office appointed a highly-regarded QC, William Nimmo Smith, and a regional procurator fiscal, James Friel, to investigate.
But the affair, dubbed "Fettesgate", was about to take another twist.
Before the report was officially published, Nimmo Smith was duped into revealing his findings to a bogus journalist. The "journalist" was none other than Derek Donaldson, who immediately sold his "scoop" to a tabloid newspaper, indicating that the report had found no evidence of a homosexual conspiracy.
Days later, Nimmo Smith was admitted to hospital with nervous exhaustion. Donaldson was later jailed for assaulting a real journalist who had continued to investigate the events.
When Nimmo Smith's report was finally published in January 1993, it dismissed the idea of a "magic circle" of gay lawyers.
The 101-page report concluded there was no evidence to support the idea of a conspiracy to undermine justice, but strongly criticised a number of police officers.
Some had been "prepared to give as much credence to rumour as to actual evidence and to believe in conspiracy theories whether or not supported by evidence", it said.
Other officers, it suggested, had been motivated by homophobia.
William Hiddleston announced his retirement just hours after the chief constable had admitted a small group of detectives "may have let the side down". Several other officers connected were moved to uniformed duties.
MP's enquiry that sparked dramatic chain of events
FORMER long-serving Linlithgow MP Tam Dalyell played a crucial role in bringing the "magic circle" controversy into the public domain.
The stolen police report which sparked the scandal was prepared in response to a letter the MP wrote to then Lothian and Borders Chief Constable Sir William Sutherland.
Mr Dalyell had raised what he believed to be genuine public concern about a series of Crown Office decisions on cases investigated by the force.
Sir William took these concerns very seriously and, after discussions with his deputy, Hector Clark, decided to have a secret report drawn up by a senior officer.
Today, Mr Dalyell looks back on the furore as something which had positive effects on the force.
Lothian and Borders Police established formal links with a series of gay community groups for the first time in its history in the wake of the controversy.
Mr Dalyell said: "In the years following the so-called 'Fettesgate' scandal, Lothian and Borders Police did make an effort to learn some of the lessons from the inquiry.
"It was a very awkward situation for some of the officers involved. I know that William Sutherland took it very seriously.
"But, from that, the police did try and make things better."
In recent years, the force has won widespread praise for its work building relations with the city's gay community. The rainbow flag of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community was flown above the Fettes HQ last year.
The Scotsman, December 12th, 2012
Martin Hannan, 'Obituary: Robert Ewart Henderson, QC, advocate'
Born: 29 March, 1937, in Glasgow. Died: 9 December, 2012, in France, aged 75.
The death after a short illness of Robert Henderson QC, always known to his friends as Bob, has saddened the Scottish legal profession which has lost one of the most brilliant advocates of recent decades.
Charismatic and eloquent, Henderson was so renowned for the quality of his advocacy that other lawyers would often slip into his court to observe the master at work. Whether addressing a jury or debating a legal point, Henderson's forensic mind and compelling fluency of speech made him a court performer of the very highest calibre.
An accomplished golfer and pianist, and a bon viveur of note, Henderson's colourful personality and occasional transgressions meant that he never attained the very highest honours of his profession, but he himself always said that he was happiest in court and that he wanted to be remembered as a fearless advocate, which he undoubtedly was.
Born to William Ewart Henderson, an accountant of Orcadian extraction, and Agnes née Ker, Henderson was educated at Larchfield School in Helensburgh and Morrison's Academy in Crieff. His national service was in the Royal Artillery, where he reached the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Attending Glasgow University, he was one of a golden generation of lawyers and politicians that included Menzies Campbell, Donald Dewar, Lord Derry Irvine and John Smith. That he became president of the University Law Society in 1961-62 says much about the esteem in which he was held, even among such notable contemporaries.
In 1963, Henderson was called to the Bar and at the very outset of his career, he was involved in a piece of Scottish history that he did not seek. In later years he would often tell of his first case in the High Court in which he was junior to advocate depute Bertie Grieve, later Lord Grieve, who died in 2005. It was perhaps from that gentleman that Henderson learned the importance of the excellent manners and immaculate attire which were his trademarks. The case was that of Henry John Burnett and was held in Aberdeen. It was indeed historic, as Harry Burnett became the last man in Scotland to be hanged for murder. The jury decided that Burnett was "bad, not mad", as Henderson put it. Despite psychiatrists stating that Burnett had a personality disorder, the Secretary of State Michael Noble refused to commute the sentence, and 21-year-old Burnett was hanged on 15 August, 1963.
Henderson would figure in many more criminal trials, and his reputation as an advocate, particularly for the defence, grew apace, especially after he took Silk in 1982.
Prior to that he had briefly served as Sheriff Substitute in Stirling, Dumbarton and Clackmannan, and as a Temporary Sheriff in 1978.
He was also standing junior counsel to the Department of Trade for many years and a member of various tribunals, and in 1974, the year of two elections, he twice stood as the Conservative candidate in the Inverness-shire seat held by Russell Johnston.
Despite that foray into Tory politics, he enjoyed long friendships with people of different political beliefs. At the time of the miners' strike in 1984, he defended a number of the strikers, which led to a clash with Lord Wheatley – the irony being that Wheatley was the son of the Red Clydeside Labour MP John, while Henderson was a committed Conservative who manfully battled against the state's prosecution of workers.
His court cases varied from murder trials such as his defence of James Baigrie, who killed an Edinburgh barman in 1982, to his overturning of the conviction of William Crowe in 1989. In 1984, lawyer Len Murray assembled perhaps the most powerful team of advocates ever put together for a single case, namely the trial of four Rangers and Celtic players over incidents during an Old Firm match. Needless to say, Henderson was one of the star quartet.
He also acted over the years for newspapers and the BBC, while one of his greatest successes was the defence of gay solicitor Colin Tucker, acquitted of an embezzlement charge despite admitting that he had been involved in diverting funds.
The fallout from the Tucker case thrust Henderson into the limelight of public controversy in the early 1990s. The allegations of sexual misconduct among Edinburgh's legal establishment became known as the Magic Circle scandal.
The supposed story of powerful people allegedly engaged in a homosexual ring which conspired to pervert the course of justice was explosive and hogged the headlines for months. With his known associations with journalists, Henderson undoubtedly helped to create those headlines, and he was fined £10,000, later reduced to £5,000, by the Faculty of Advocates for breach of confidentiality.
It is often forgotten that while Henderson was criticised in the official report by William Nimmo Smith QC and Glasgow's procurator fiscal James Friel, he was entirely cleared of serious allegations of conspiracy and blackmail, and indeed was cleared of the original allegations of criminality in property dealings dating from the 1980s. It may be concluded that Henderson was himself the victim of gossip and innuendo.
It was perhaps not very wise of Henderson to involve himself in the buying and of selling properties in and around Edinburgh, a pursuit that probably emanated from his specialisation in land and planning law. He was also a noted expert on licensing issues. Henderson's business acumen was not on a par with his skill in court, however, as evidenced by his conviction for non-payment of VAT in 1999.
A member of the New Club and of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Henderson liked nothing better than a convivial round of golf at Muirfield not for from his home in Gullane.
His private life was also occasionally chaotic. He was married three times: to Olga Sunter from 1958 to 1978, by whom he had a son and two daughters; to Carol Black from 1982 to 1988, by whom he had a son; and to Carolyn Gell in 1995. He is survived by Carolyn and his children.
Henderson went into semi-retirement from 2001, before surprising his family and friends with a move to Dubai in 2004 where lucrative consultancy work gave him the wherewithal to establish a home in south-west France, where he delighted in entertaining old friends and colleagues from Scotland.
He was charming and witty to the end, and his passing leaves a huge hole in many lives, for he was a loyal and generous friend to many.
The Herald, December 13th, 2012
John McCluskey, 'Robert Henderson QC'
Born: March 29, 1937; Died: December 9, 2012.
An appreciation
Bob Henderson QC was a unique spirit in the Scottish scene. I first encountered him 50 years ago in the two rooms known as The Juridical Library, an outpost of the Advocates Library on the corner of George Street and Charlotte Square, where the Faculty of Advocates provided a quiet haven where advocates could sit all night researching the law and preparing for the next forensic encounter.
But it wasn t all work. The couple who acted as caretakers used to bring us coffee and biscuits and we would break off for irreverent gossip. And I must confess that at half past nine some of us would sneak out to Scotts bar in Rose Street to seek fresh inspiration.
Bob frequently came to the Juridical Library when he was devilling to Ian Stewart, later Lord Allanbridge. He was immediately impressive as a powerful personality with a mind of his own and no undue sense of subservience towards the establishment. So he had no hesitation in joining in the chat and the mocking of our elders and betters.
Bob was already an accomplished golfer and pianist, and he was well read. He had the qualities that would enable him to succeed as an advocate in the highest courts. He was self confident, fluent with a commanding speaking voice and a capacity that marked his career at the Bar for going straight to the heart of the matter in language that was clear, unambiguous and positive.
From my later perspective as a judge, particularly when sitting with a jury, it was a joy when Bob walked into court and announced he was appearing as counsel for the defence: the lights seemed to shine a little brighter. You knew there were going to be very few dull moments. He had a gift for recognising that a good point could be made in one clear short question. So you quickly learned to listen: he was not going to repeat and elaborate till you were sick of hearing it. Juries appreciated this was a lawyer who was not going to waste their time, a lawyer who would not treat them like dummies who needed to be given repeated glimpses of the obvious. So they listened.
And judges did the same: they knew from experience that Bob s forensic motto might have been borrowed from television s Allo, Allo!: I shall say this only once. That, and his personal charm, gave him a popularity with his colleagues and with the Bench that stood him in good stead when, as happened occasionally, he blotted his copybook. Somehow Bob's blots were made with rainbow-coloured ink and he emerged from various scrapes perhaps a little wiser but not in the least diminished in spirit. The strengths of his character more than compensated for the faults.
It was a sad day when Bob announced his fortune was to be sought elsewhere and he went off to Dubai to seek it. He found it. On his return, well timed to avoid the depression, he bought a lovely mansion house in south-eest France with delightful grounds. There he built a first-class tennis court, an excellent swimming pool and a cellar of well-chosen wines. He also turned the older buildings into first-class accommodation for visitors.
The first purpose was to welcome and entertain his and Carolyn s friends. Bob, though living away from Edinburgh for some years, kept in touch with all the news. He loved Edinburgh and he had many happy years in Gullane and playing golf at Muirfield: he missed it all but he kept his memories alive. I remember sitting with him until the wee sma hours, hearing his trenchant views about people, politics and events that he felt so strongly about. But, caustic or dismissive, he was free of malice.
His second purpose in developing his lovely French estate was to build a resort that could be easily managed and would provide some security for the years ahead. The tragedy is that those years were cut so suddenly and dramatically short.
Our thoughts go out to Carolyn. If the loss of Bob means so much to us, we can hardly imagine how empty these coming days must be for Carolyn; this is clear: we all, with Carolyn, continue to share and treasure the warmth and the excitement that Bob radiated so generously.
The Sun, December 14th, 2012
'Top QC dies at 75′
A LAWYER who was once one of the top QCs in Scotland has died, aged 75.
It is understood Robert Henderson passed away on Sunday in France, where he had lived for several years, following a short illness.
In 1993 Henderson was named in a report by William Nimmo Smith investigating claims of a gay conspiracy to block justice in Scotland.
He was accused of leaking information to cops. Friend Lord McCluskey, 83, led tributes to the dad-of-four. He said: "It was joy when Bob walked into court."
The Scotsman, December 14th, 2012
'Obituary: Robert Henderson QC, 75′
ONE of the country's leading advocates has died suddenly in France at the age of 75.
Robert Henderson QC, who built a towering reputation for his work in the Capital, died on Sunday after a short illness.
The Gullane-based advocate grew up in Kirkwall to parents William Ewart Henderson and Agnes née Ker, attending Larchfield School in Helensburgh and Morrison's Academy in Crieff.
He was admitted to Glasgow University, studying alongside a golden generation of lawyers and politicians including Menzies Campbell, Donald Dewar and Lord Derry Irvine.
Despite the list of luminaries, Bob – as he was better known – was named president of the University Law Society in 1961.
He was inadvertently caught up in a slice of Scottish history in his first case at the High Court in 1963 as junior to advocate depute Bertie Grieve, when Henry John Burnett was sentenced to become the last man in Scotland to be hanged for murder.
Bob was an honorary sheriff substitute at Stirling, Dumbarton and Clackmannan in 1968 and served as counsel to the Department of Trade between 1974 and 1977.
That experience led him in 1974 to twice stand as the Conservative candidate in the Inverness-shire seat held by Russell Johnston.
The lawyer would build his reputation as a defence advocate in a series of high-profile criminal trials after becoming a QC in 1982.
Bob was also hand-picked amongst a star team of advocates assembled by lawyer Len Murray to represent four Rangers and Celtic players charged over incidents during an Old Firm match.
Some of his most notable work came when he defended a host of miners during the 1984 strike.
Bob also represented the BBC and a string of newspapers. His defence of gay solicitor Colin Tucker, who was acquitted of an embezzlement charge despite admitting to diverting funds, was one of his greatest professional successes.
A keen golfer, Bob was a member of the New Club and of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, often playing at Muirfield.
He entered semi-retirement in 2001 before moving to Dubai three years later. His consultancy work overseas allowed him to buy a home in south-west France.
Close friend and Judge Lord McCluskey said it was a tragedy that Bob's life had been cut short. He added: "He loved Edinburgh and he had many happy years in Gullane and playing golf at Muirfield.
"I remember sitting until the wee small hours hearing his trenchant views about people, politics and events he felt so strongly about. But, caustic or dismissive, he was free of malice."
Bob is survived by his third wife, Carolyn Gell – whom he married in 1995 – and four children.
The Herald, May 17th, 2013
Brian Home, 'Solicitor is jailed after trying to take drugs into prison'
A SOLICITOR whose 30-year legal career lay in tatters after he was caught trying to smuggle mobile phones and drugs into Edinburgh's Saughton Prison was jailed for four years yesterday.
The final act of David Blair Wilson's shame was played out at the High Court in Edinburgh when judge Lord Jones told him he had abused his position as a lawyer.
In an earlier trial CCTV footage showed plain clothes police blocking any attempt by Blair Wilson to drive away, then leading him away in handcuffs.
A search of his car uncovered the phones, diazepam tablets which may have been worth £2800 at inflated prison prices, cannabis resin with a prison value of £4000 and other contraband items.
Judge Lord Jones said: "The misuse of drugs in prison is a well-recognised problem to which you were intent on contributing.
"You knew that, as a solicitor visiting a client in prison, you were in a privileged position. You cynically abused the privilege you had been given and abused the trust placed in you."
The smuggling attempt was a well-planned operation, the judge added. Blair Wilson, 55, of Dunfermline, insisted he did not know the suspect packages were there and blamed another man for any wrong-doing.
The lawyer enjoyed a brief notoriety more than 20 years ago when he helped clear a friend and fellow solicitor accused of embezzling more than £50,000 of clients' money from his firm.
The trial of Colin Tucker sparked a break-in at the Fettes HQ of Lothian and Borders Police, a probe by a top QC.
Yesterday, defence advocate Susan Duff, asking for leniency, paid tribute to Blair Wilson as a solicitor.
She said: "He has had a long and successful career in the law, a career built on hard work and a deeply committed attitude of care for his clients. Blair Wilson was a man for whom nothing was too much trouble."
Now, she said, he knew he would never work again in that profession.
On the day he was caught the solicitor had arranged to visit – in his professional capacity – Lee Brown, 35, who told the trial he was serving 18-and-a-half years.
CCTV footage showed Blair Wilson arriving at the Saughton jail carrying a bulging folder.
Prison officer Graham Robertson, 25, described how he checked Blair Wilson's ID and his colleague told the solicitor his folder had to be scanned.
"He became quite anxious looking, began to sort of fidget. His body language changed slightly," said the prison officer.Blair Wilson returned to his Vauxhall Signum then came back into the prison vestibule. This time his file was thinner.
In the witness box, Blair Wilson said the suspect packages were nothing to do with him.
He said Steven Douglas – a youth he had befriended who regarded him as a surrogate father – must have put them under the driver's seat when he borrowed the car the day before. There were 19 fingerprints on the packages that matched those of Mr Douglas. Not one matched Blair Wilson's prints.
Mr Douglas should have appeared as a witness – but, when asked where he was, Blair Wilson replied: "I wish I knew."
A jury's majority verdict convicted Blair Wilson of attempting to smuggle three mobile phones, three SIM cards along with two chargers and two earphones into the jail.
He was also found guilty, by majority, of being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin, diazepam and body-building drugs – in particular to Lee Brown.During the trial, charges of breaching the Prisons (Scotland) Act by introducing drugs into the jail were dropped.
Lord Jones said he was taking into account Blair Wilson was a first offender who also suffered from serious health problems.
"While I take these matters into consideration, it has to be recognised that you chose to commit these offences and did this with your eyes open, knowing what the risks were and the consequences if you were caught."
Blair Wilson also faces automatic prosecution before the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal.
Philip Yelland, director of Regulation at the Law Society of Scotland, said: "Solicitors are expected to maintain the highest standards both in their professional and personal lives.
"They are bound by rules including rules about their conduct, and serious criminal convictions are a breach of these rules."
The Scotsman, July 13th, 2014
'Sir Nicholas Fairbairn in child abuse scandal link'
SIR Nicholas Fairbairn, the controversial former Solicitor General for Scotland, has been linked to the child abuse scandal which is threatening to engulf Westminster.
Evidence has emerged which suggests Fairbairn, who died in 1995 aged 61, may have visited a brothel now at the heart of police and parliamentary investigations.
A list of names seized by officers indicates the former legal adviser to Margaret Thatcher may have abused boys at a notorious London guesthouse, where youngsters from children's homes were reportedly sexually assaulted by high-profile visitors.
The documents have been seen by child protection officers and are now being used by police as evidence as part of Operation Fernbridge.
The apparent link has prompted calls for the long-serving Conservative MP to be posthumously investigated.
Fairbairn – who boasted about his "insatiable" sexual appetite – had a career which took him to the top of both the political and legal establishments but gained notoriety as a womaniser and heavy drinker.
Lists of visitors to the Elm Guest House – which hosted parties in the 1980s where vulnerable boys were sexually assaulted after being plied with alcohol – are now in the hands of police officers.
The hand-written documents, which have been seen by Scotland on Sunday, state that a number of politicians including "N Fairburn" and "C Smith" – who asked to be called "Tubby" – visited the property on 7 June 1982.
They also state that "Fairburn" had "used boys in sauna" and that photographs had been taken of him – as well as Cyril Smith – at the guest house. Police have confirmed that Smith, the late Liberal MP for Rochdale, who has since been exposed as a serial abuser of boys, was a regular visitor to the brothel. Despite the spelling discrepancy over Fairburn/Fairbairn, there have now been calls for a full investigation which would establish whether or not Fairbairn was involved.
Pete Wishart, the SNP MP, who represents Fairbairn's former constituency of Perth, called for the allegations to be fully examined. He said: "If there is any evidence that Sir Nicholas Fairbairn was involved in the abuse of children it should be looked at and properly investigated."
Simon Danczuk, the Rochdale MP who exposed Smith as a child abuser, said the documents must be investigated.
A spokesman for the Labour politician said: "The Metropolitan Police have confirmed Cyril Smith was at Elm Guest House and it is now important to investigate and establish exactly who else was there."
In 2000 the daughter of a prominent Scottish lawyer, who was never publicly named, alleged Fairbairn was part of a paedophile ring. At the time the claims were angrily rejected by his family. Last night Sir Nicholas' eldest daughter Charlotte told Scotland on Sunday: "There's nothing I can say. He's been dead for 20 years."
Daily Record and Sunday Mail, July 14th, 2014
Dan Warburton, 'THE ACCUSED; SEX ALLEGATIONS CALLS FOR CRIMINAL PROBES AS MORE ATTACK CLAIMS EMERGE SEX ALLEGATIONS CALLS FOR CRIMINAL PROBES AS MORE ATTACK CLAIMS EMERGE ; Thatcher's top two Scots Tories in 80s at centre of Westminster child abuse claims Whistleblower claims Dr Smith arranged young boys for senior cabinet ministers Fairbairn linked to brothel where kids from homes were abused by high-profile visitors'
THE two top Scots Tories from Margaret Thatcher's Government were last night linked to an alleged child abuse ring.
Former Kinross and Western Perthshire MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn and former party Scottish chairman Dr Alistair Smith were named as suspects in the historic abuse of underage boys.
Last night, Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson said a public inquiry "cannot afford to leave any stone unturned and it must have the confidence of the victims".
Senior officials in Thatcher's Government were alleged to have attended private sex parties with underage boys and visited a notorious guesthouse.
A special police unit from 13 forces are thought to have drawn-up a "superlist" of celebrities and elected officials under investigation.
Pearson added: "The Scottish Goverment cannot stand back from this. We know victims have been calling for action here in Scotland and so far we are the only part of the UK not holding any investigations.
"With Scottish names now emerging as part of the UK investigation, we cannot "With Scottish names now emerging as part of the UK investigation, we cannot afford to be left behind."
FAIRBAIRN – the former Solicitor General for Scotland who died in 1995, aged 61 – may have visited a brothel at the heart of police Evidence suggests Fairbairn – the former Solicitor General for Scotland who died in 1995, aged 61 – may have visited a brothel at the heart of police and parliamentary probes.
It's understood Thatcher's legal advisor visited the notorious Elms Guest House, where youngsters from children's homes were allegedly abused by high-It's understood Thatcher's legal advisor visited the notorious Elms Guest House, where youngsters from children's homes were allegedly abused by highprofile visitors in the 80s.
Documents seized by officers are now being used as evidence in Operation Fernbridge, a criminal probe into parties held at the site in Documents seized by officers are now being used as evidence in Operation Fernbridge, a criminal probe into parties held at the site in Rocks Lane, south-west London.
Rocks Lane, south-west London.
In 2000, Fairbairn's family were forced to reject allegations that the flamboyant advocate was part of a paedophile ring of top Scots lawyers.
Yesterday, Fairbairn's eldest daughter Charlotte is reported to have said: "There's nothing I can say. He's been dead for 20 years."
Meanwhile, whistleblower Anthony Gilberthorpe – a former Conservative activist – claimed Dr Smith, who died in July 2012, had arranged for rent boys to have sex with Cabinet members.
Anthony, 52, said he was used to procure boys as young as 15, who indulged in alcohol and cocaine before having sex with politicians at party conferences in Black-Black pool and Brighton in the 80s.
He said: "Dr Smith, who I looked up to at the time and was the most important Tory in Scotland, told me to go and fetch some 'entertainment', which was 'entertainment', which was code for young boys.
"It was the norm and an open secret that these older members of the Tory Party, like Dr Alistair Smith, paid for young men to join them at sex parties.
"It was the first time I was asked to fetch them but it was hardly surprising as I was becoming one of their trusted people. I was expected to find the youngest and prettiest young boys. It was what those men wanted.
"In fact, it was all they wanted. So myself and another Tory candidate sat on some benches underneath an archway in the Pavilion area of Blackpool and waited."
David Mellor, who was a Home Office minister between 1983 and 1987, dismissed Anthony's allegations as "tittle-tattle".
He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "I think this is now open season because of a pretty dodgy dossier presented to Leon Brittan by a Tory backbencher, which had very little substance in my view."
Officers investigating historic child abuse from 13 constabularies held a meeting in Merseyside last month. It's understood each brought a secret list of elected officials and celebrities currently under investigation for alleged child sex abuse. A "superlist" of 21 of the best-known suspects was drawn-up, with half of those listed yet to enter the public domain.
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "Police should investigate all allegations of this nature and the perpetrators should be brought to justice."
When the Daily Record made attempts to contact Dr Smith's family there was no response.
David Cameron faced further problems yesterday after he was accused by one of his own MPs of turning a blind eye to possible abuse by Government whips.
Mark Reckless, a member of the Commons home affairs select committee, said the PM should order all former chief whips to reveal what they knew about child sex offence allegations. In a letter to Cameron, he called for a full public enquiry.
GRAPHIC: TRUST Thatcher made Fairburn and Smith senior officials
THE two top Scots Tories from Margaret Thatcher's Government were last night linked to an alleged child abuse ring.
Former Kinross and Western Perthshire MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn and former party Scottish chairman Dr Alistair Smith were named as suspects in the historic abuse of underage boys.
Last night, Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson said a public inquiry "cannot afford to leave any stone unturned and it must have the confidence of the victims".
Senior officials in Thatcher's Government were alleged to have attended private sex parties with underage boys and visited a notorious guesthouse.
A special police unit from 13 forces are thought to have drawn-up a "superlist" of celebrities and elected officials under investigation.
Pearson added: "The Scottish Goverment cannot stand back from this. We know victims have been calling for action here in Scotland and so far we are the only part of the UK not holding any investigations.
"With Scottish names now emerging as part of the UK investigation, we cannot afford to be left behind."
Evidence suggests Fairbairn – the former Solicitor General for Scotland who died in 1995, aged 61 – may have visited a brothel at the heart of police and parliamentary probes.
It's understood Thatcher's legal advisor visited the notorious Elms Guest House, where youngsters from children's homes were allegedly abused by high-profile visitors in the 80s.
Documents seized by officers are now being used as evidence in Operation Fernbridge, a criminal probe into parties held at the site in Rocks Lane, south-west London.
In 2000, Fairbairn's family were forced to reject allegations that the flamboyant advocate was part of a paedophile ring of top Scots lawyers.
Yesterday, Fairbairn's eldest daughter Charlotte is reported to have said: "There's nothing I can say. He's been dead for 20 years."
Meanwhile, whistleblower Anthony Gilberthorpe- a former Conservative activist – claimed Dr Smith, who died in July 2012, had arranged for rent boys to have sex with Cabinet members.
Anthony, 52, said he was used to procure boys as young as 15, who indulged in alcohol and cocaine before having sex with politicians at party conferences in Blackpool and Brighton in the 80s.
He said: "Dr Smith, who I looked up to at the time and was the most important Tory in Scotland, told me to go and fetch some 'entertainment', which was code for young boys.
"It was the norm and an open secret that these older members of the Tory Party, like Dr Alistair Smith, paid for young men to join them at sex parties.
"It was the first time I was asked to fetch them but it was hardly surprising as I was becoming one of their trusted people. I was expected to find the youngest and prettiest young boys. It was what those men wanted.
"In fact, it was all they wanted. So myself and another Tory candidate sat on some benches underneath an archway in the Pavilion area of Blackpool and waited."
David Mellor, who was a Home Office minister between 1983 and 1987, dismissed Anthony's allegations as "tittle-tattle".
He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "I think this is now open season because of a pretty dodgy dossier presented to Leon Brittan by a Tory backbencher, which had very little substance in my view."
Officers investigating historic child abuse from 13 constabularies held a meeting in Merseyside last month. It's understood each brought a secret list of elected officials and celebrities currently under investigation for alleged child sex abuse.
A "superlist" of 21 of the best-known suspects was drawn-up, with half of those listed yet to enter the public domain.
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "Police should investigate all allegations of this nature and the perpetrators should be brought to justice."
When the Daily Record made attempts to contact Dr Smith's family there was no response.
David Cameron faced further problems yesterday after he was accused by one of his own MPs of turning a blind eye to possible abuse by Government whips.
Mark Reckless, a member of the Commons home affairs select committee, said the PM should order all former chief whips to reveal what they knew about child sex offence allegations. In a letter to Cameron, he called for a full public enquiry.
He added: "Given the mass shredding of documents by the whips office from 1996, will you write to all Conservative Chief Whips who have held office since 1960 or their heirs where deceased and ask them to provide all documents which remain in their possession from their time in office to the Child Abuse Inquiry?"
Reckless also called on him to look into whether former Attorney General Michael Havers – whose sister Lady Bulter-Sloss is heading the inquiry into child sex abuse claims – was behind the decision to destroy papers.
Mail on Sunday, July 20th, 2014
Marc Horne, 'Esther Rantzen: My shock over my MP lover's links to Elm House paedophile ring'
- Esther Rantzen had affair with politician Sir Nicholas Fairbairn in the 1960s
- Suggestions he may have visited guest house where children were allegedly assaulted by high-profile visitors
- Ms Rantzen speaks of her revulsion over his links to child abuse scandal
- She distances herself from the late Conservative MP who died at 61 in 1995
Esther Rantzen has spoken of her revulsion after learning that a former lover has been linked to the child abuse scandal threatening to engulf Westminster.
The broadcaster and Childline founder had an affair with politician Sir Nicholas Fairbairn after they met at a BBC studio in 1966.
But Ms Rantzen has now distanced herself from the late Conservative MP and Solicitor General for Scotland – who died in 1995, aged 61.
Evidence has come to light suggesting he may have visited a London guest house where children from care homes were allegedly assaulted by high-profile visitors.
Miss Rantzen, 74, played a leading role in uncovering child abuse during the 1980s.
She said: 'I am horrified and disgusted by these allegations because Nicky was a friend of mine.
'I had a very brief relationship with him. I always assumed that he was attracted to adult women rather than children.
'I had absolutely no knowledge of that side of him. However, over the years I have learned that you really never know anyone.'
The former That's Life presenter was 26 when she embarked on an affair with the married MP after he appeared as a guest on a BBC show where she was a researcher.
She said: 'When I knew Nicky he was courteous, charming and very fond of women.
'He was a high-profile lawyer, who lived in a castle and had a very flamboyant private life.'
'He took me to lunch at the Ritz. He gave me a long-stemmed red rose and ordered Beluga caviar and Krug champagne.
'If ever there was an aphrodisiac meal that was it. Nicky took to me to some Lord's house where he was staying and the rest was inevitable.'
The presenter, who founded the world's first child abuse hotline, Childline, in 1986, was appalled by the emergence of evidence which suggests that a powerful network of paedophiles may once have stalked the corridors of power.
She said: 'It is really important that the people who have suffered now recognise that they do have a right to justice. It is not about the culture of the time.
'Child abuse has always been a crime and, in my experience, there was never a time when it was tolerated. What happened with Cyril Smith was horrific. The whole thing was hushed up and police were taken off cases and prevented from going public with what they knew.
'It was straightforward, old-fashioned conspiracy.'
Lists of VIP visitors to the Elm Guest House – which hosted parties in the 1980s where vulnerable boys were sexually assaulted after being plied with alcohol – are now being used by police as evidence in their Operation Fernbridge inquiry.
The documents, seen by the Mail on Sunday, state that politicians including 'N Fairburn' and 'C Smith' visited the property on June 7, 1982. They also state that 'Fairburn' had 'used boys in sauna' and that photos had been taken of him – as well as Cyril Smith – at the guest house.
Police have confirmed that Smith, the late Liberal MP for Rochdale, who has since been exposed as a serial abuser, was a regular visitor to the address.
Despite the spelling discrepancy there have now been calls for a full investigation which would establish whether Fairbairn was involved.
Sir Nicholas, who carried a brace of pistols on his hip and designed his own flamboyant tartan attire, was forced to resign as Solicitor General in 1982 over a decision not to prosecute in a rape case.
By Martin Delgado
Baroness Butler-Sloss, chosen to chair the inquiry into historic child abuse, has spoken of her 'hurt' at having to resign before she could even take up the role.
The resignation last week came after claims the retired judge's late brother, Sir Michael Havers, who was Attorney-General and later Lord Chancellor, was involved in a cover-up.
'I didn't want to resign but I had to.
'The victims didn't have faith in me,' she said. 'Now all I feel is hurt and sadness.
'I discussed it with loved ones before making my decision, but nobody influenced or pushed me. It's a pity.
'Yes, it hurt me.'
The peer was speaking at London's Piccadilly Theatre at the Jack Petchey Foundation's Speak Out Challenge.
Peter Saunders, of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, said: 'She seems to be drawing attention to her own self-pity. Many victims of abuse will find her remarks insensitive.'
The previous year a House of Commons secretary had tried to hang herself from a lamp-post outside his London flat after they had an affair.
In Who's Who Sir Nicholas described his pastimes as: 'Making love, ends meet and people laugh.'
In 2000 the daughter of a prominent Scottish lawyer, who was never publicly named, alleged Sir Nicholas had been part of a paedophile ring. At the time the claims were angrily rejected by his family.
Sir Nicholas' eldest daughter Charlotte declined to comment on the latest allegations, stating: 'There's nothing I can say. He's been dead for 20 years.'
The Express, July 21st, 2014
Greg Christison, 'Esther's horror at Fairbairn child sex allegations'
ESTHER Rantzen has said she is "horrified and disgusted" after her former lover Sir Nicholas Fairbairn was linked to the child abuse scandal at Westminster.
The allegations have been denied by Nicholas Fairbairn's family[NC]
The broadcaster, who founded the Childline telephone service for children suffering abuse, had an affair with the late Conservative MP and Solicitor General for Scotland after they met at a BBC studio in 1966.
It has been claimed that Sir Nicholas, who died in 1995 aged 61, visited a London guest house where children from care homes were allegedly assaulted by high-profile visitors.
Ms Rantzen said: "I am horrified and disgusted by these allegations, because Nicky was a friend of mine.
"I had a very brief relationship with him. I always assumed that he was attracted to adult women rather than children.
"I had absolutely no knowledge of that side of him. However, over the years I have learned that you really never know anyone."
The 74-year-old, who has played a leading role in uncovering child abuse, was 26 when she embarked on an affair with the married politician.
They met after he appeared as a guest on a BBC show where she was working as a researcher.
"When I knew Nicky he was courteous, charming and very fond of women," she continued.
"He was a high-profile lawyer, who lived in a castle and had a very flamboyant private life.
"He took me to lunch at the Ritz. He gave me a long-stemmed red rose and ordered Beluga caviar and Krug champagne.
"If ever there was an aphrodisiac meal, that was it. Nicky took me to some Lord's house where he was staying and the rest was inevitable."
Esther Rantzen has been shocked upon of the alleged child abuse [REX]
It is understood evidence suggests Sir Nicholas was one of several politicians who visited Elm Guest House, which hosted parties in the 1980s where vulnerable boys were sexually assaulted after being plied with alcohol.
A VIP list of visitors suggests Sir Nicholas "used boys in the sauna" and that photos existed of him at the guest house.
Police are investigating the list, which also contains the name of the late Liberal MP Cyril Smith, as part of their Operation Fernbridge inquiry.
Sir Nicholas was forced to resign as Solicitor General in 1982 over a decision not to prosecute in a rape case. A year beforehand, a House of Commons secretary tried to hang herself from a lamppost outside his London flat after they had an affair.
In 2000, the daughter of a prominent Scottish lawyer, who was never publicly named, alleged Sir Nicholas had been part of a paedophile ring.
The claims were denied by his family.
Sir Nicholas' eldest daughter, Charlotte, declined to comment on the latest allegations, stating: "There's nothing I can say. He's been dead for 20 years."
Daily Mail, August 14th, 2014
Emma Cowing and Graham Grant, 'I was raped aged 4 by top aide to Thatcher: Woman claims she was abused by senior Conservative MP who visited notorious guest house with paedophile Cyril Smith'
- Susie Henderson, 48, says she was raped by Sir Nicholas Fairbairn
- Tory politician was solicitor general for Scotland, and Perth and Ross MP
- MP died in 1995, aged 61, and was a favourite of Margaret Thatcher
- Miss Henderson says she was abused by late father, a prominent QC
- New evidence suggests Fairbairn visited Elm Guest House
- Property is the focus of investigation into alleged paedophile ring in 1980s
A woman last night claimed she was raped at the age of four by a senior Tory MP who was one of Margaret Thatcher's closest allies.
Susie Henderson waived her right to anonymity to describe the appalling abuse she alleges was inflicted on her by Sir Nicholas Fairbairn.
The late Conservative politician, who was appointed solicitor general for Scotland by Mrs Thatcher when she became prime minister, has been linked to the child abuse scandal threatening to engulf Westminster.
Last month evidence came to light which suggests Sir Nicholas may have visited the Elm Guest House which serial abuser Cyril Smith attended. The property in Barnes, south-west London, is the focus of a Scotland Yard investigation into an alleged Establishment paedophile ring in the 1980s.
The evidence emerged weeks after Home Secretary Theresa May announced a Hillsborough-style inquiry into claims of paedophile activities in Parliament and other public institutions.
Now, Miss Henderson, 48, has told the Mail that she was raped as a young child by Sir Nicholas – and that she also suffered years of sexual assaults by her late father, prominent Scottish QC Robert Henderson, who was a friend of the MP.
She said of Sir Nicholas: 'I hated that man,' adding: 'More than I hated my father. He just really wasn't a nice man.
'I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil. Not just to me. There are other children out there.' Miss Henderson first made her allegations against Sir Nicholas – famous for his outspoken views, frock-coat suits and tartan trousers – and her father under the alias of 'Julie X' in 2000 but an initial police investigation did not lead to any charges.
Sir Nicholas, flamboyant MP for Perth and Kinross, died in 1995, aged 61. Twice-married, he once described his pastimes as: 'Making love, ends meet and people laugh.'
The MP from 1974 to 1995 was a favourite of Mrs Thatcher because of his right-wing views and his noisily expressed adoration of her. He once claimed to enjoy a 'special chemistry' with the former Prime Minister and wrote in The Spectator magazine about her: 'Sexually attractive, no, but certainly bonny.' Miss Henderson, whose father died in 2012 aged 75, claims Sir Nicholas first abused her at one of her father's parties at his Edinburgh home. She said: 'We were in the kitchen. I was maybe four years old, I could have been younger.
'I had a skirt on and Nicholas and my dad had been drinking, and my dad told me to sit on Nicholas's knee. I sat on his knee and he put his hand up my skirt and abused me. My dad just stood there laughing.'
Recalling another incident, Miss Henderson, who lives near Inverness, claimed Sir Nicholas raped her when she was in bed with him and 'another guy' in a guest room on the top floor of her five-storey family home.
She says she was just four or five years old at the time, and remembers the pungent smell of his feet. Sobbing, she said she was not sure how many times Sir Nicholas abused her but says it was 'a lot,' adding: 'Even once is too much.' Last night Sir Nicholas's daughter Charlotte, 50, told the Mail that while she 'did not know' whether her father had carried out the alleged abuse, she very much doubted it. She said: 'I don't really want to know anything about it, I would be very surprised by that [the claims made against her father], but he is dead. He's not here to defend himself.
'It would sound hollow if I said, "He's innocent." I don't know, though I completely and utterly doubt it [that he was an abuser.] It's all such a long time ago. I hope it's not true.'
Lists of VIP visitors to the Elm Guest House – which hosted parties in the 1980s where it is alleged vulnerable boys were sexually assaulted – are now being used by police as evidence in their inquiry, Operation Fernbridge. One document states politicians including 'N Fairburn' and C Smith' visited the property in June 1982.
They also state 'Fairburn' had 'used boys in sauna' and photos had been taken of him – as well as former Liberal MP Smith – at the guest house. Police have confirmed that Smith was a regular visitor to the address.
Last month broadcaster Esther Rantzen spoke of her revulsion after learning Sir Nicholas, with whom she had an affair after they met in a BBC studio in 1966, had been implicated in the scandal.
Miss Henderson, speaking publicly after Sir Nicholas was linked to the guest house, said: 'I knew this would come out.
'I'm only surprised it has taken so long. I told the police about him in 2000, I told them what Fairbairn was. But they just wanted me to go away.
My father was feted by legal establishment, but was really a monster who let his powerful friends rape me
Every night before five-year-old Susie Henderson went to sleep, she would arrange her dolls around her bed. She wasn't playing, she was hiding. Four decades on, it is a memory that still haunts her.
'I put them there thinking that, when my father came for me in the night, he wouldn't know it was me and he would take one of my dolls instead,' she says. 'But he never did.'
Now 48, Miss Henderson has spent a lifetime in hiding. For the past 14 years she has been known only as 'Julie X', the anonymous woman who in 2000 made allegations of child sexual abuse against her father – a senior member of the legal profession – and MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, the former Solicitor General for Scotland and a member of Margaret Thatcher's inner circle.
Today, Miss Henderson has waived her anonymity to detail the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, the late Robert Henderson QC, one of Scotland's top advocates and a close friend and former colleague of Fairbairn. Henderson died in December 2012, Fairbairn in 1995.
In the wake of the paedophile scandal threatening to engulf Westminster in which Fairbairn was recently implicated, Miss Henderson has chosen to come forward to tell her story.
She is calling for the police investigation into Henderson and Fairbairn, which was halted in 2000 after details were leaked to the Press and evidence was mislaid, to be re-opened.
She has also given the Scottish Daily Mail the names of six other senior members of the Scottish legal profession who she alleges either abused her or were aware of the abuse, which took place in the 1970s. Two of these individuals are still alive.
Today Miss Henderson lives a quiet life near Inverness with her partner, who fully supports her decision to tell her story, saying: 'Over the years, Susie has lived in fear – but once other stories about Fairbairn started to come out, we realised that she could finally do this without fear. She can get closure.'
Miss Henderson works in social care, has a grown-up son and at weekends walks her dog along the windswept beaches near her home. She is well-spoken and articulate, with a ready smile and a mischievous sense of humour.
Yet her life is still overshadowed by the monstrous actions of her father and his friends – a set of high-powered legal figures who, she says, ritually abused her as part of an organised paedophile ring in the early 1970s when she was between four and eight years old.
'It's really only in my 40s that I've started living my life,' she says. 'I have good days and I have bad days. It will never go away and I get horrendous nightmares at times but, because my father is dead now, I'm not as scared as I used to be.'
Miss Henderson was born in 1966 into a life of Edinburgh privilege. Her father and his first wife, her mother, lived in a five-storey Georgian townhouse in the New Town. Parties were common and Henderson, a rising star in the Scottish legal profession, was a flamboyant and charming man-about-town.
'I have horrendous nightmares, it will never go away'
But behind closed doors he was a monster. He often beat his wife and young Susie was regularly belted: 'He threw my Mum and me out in the snow one night when he brought a woman home.
'He used to jump out of wardrobes to frighten people. He drank very heavily. There were always people round at the house and my Mum was just the slave.'
Henderson could be sadistically cruel towards his family. His daughter recalls: 'One time he came home unexpectedly and I had my pet hamster out. I wasn't allowed to have it out when he was there and I was terrified he'd go crazy. But he didn't do anything, he just said: "Put that away."'
'The next morning when I went downstairs, it was stuffed into a milk bottle. He'd killed it. That was my punishment for letting it out.'
Yet Henderson could also be urbane and charismatic. Well thought-of among the political establishment, he twice stood as a Tory candidate for Parliament during the 1970s in Inverness-shire.
'He could be very charming, usually when drunk,' says Miss Henderson. 'I can't remember him being a loving man but he could be quite nice. He wasn't always horrendous.'
She believes her father started abusing her around the age of three and sexually abused her repeatedly until she was eight years old: 'He would say to my Mum when he came back from the pub, "I'll take Susie for a nap." And that was when he'd do it. He always put a pillow over my head. Another time in the bath he abused me and put my head under the water.'
The house was often full of people, her father's friends, who she says also abused her, or were fully aware of what was going on: 'I was told that whatever anybody wanted I was to do it, no matter what it was.
'My father had parties where I had to dance for people. He'd then put me in a bedroom. People came in. They had drugs there, lots of drink. My Dad used to give me drink.'
She clearly remembers the first time Fairbairn abused her at one of her father's parties: 'We were in the kitchen. I was maybe four years old. I had a skirt on and Nicholas and my Dad had been drinking, and my Dad told me to sit on Nicholas's knee. I sat on his knee and he put his hand up my skirt and abused me. My Dad just stood there laughing.'
She remembers another incident involving Fairbairn: 'The house was five floors and the top floor was where the guests used to stay. I was in bed in the guest room with Fairbairn and another guy.'
She alleges that on this occasion Fairbairn raped her. She was just four or five years old. Today, she sobs quietly as she recalls the incident and details such as the pungent smell of Fairbairn's feet: 'I hated that man – more than I hated my father. He just really wasn't a nice man.' She is not sure how many times Fairbairn abused her but says it was 'a lot', adding: 'Even once is too much.'
Last month, Fairbairn was named as one of those believed to have visited the notorious Elm Guest House in London. A handwritten list of visitors to the guest house – which hosted parties in the 1980s where vulnerable boys were sexually assaulted after being plied with alcohol – states that a number of politicians including 'N Fairburn' and 'C Smith' – visited the property on June 7, 1982.
'C Smith' is believed to be Cyril Smith, the Liberal MP who has been exposed as a serial paedophile and who police have confirmed was a regular visitor to the brothel.
The documents also state that 'Fairburn' had 'used boys in sauna' and that photographs had been taken of him at the guest house. Despite the spelling discrepancy over Fairbairn/Fairburn, there have now been calls for a full investigation to establish whether or not Fairbairn was involved. Miss Henderson says she is not surprised: 'I knew this would come out. I'm only surprised it has taken so long. I told the police about him in 2000, I told them what Fairbairn was. But they just wanted me to go away.'
The regular abuse stopped when she was eight years old and her mother left Henderson, taking Miss Henderson with her. It continued sporadically until she was around 12, whenever Henderson had custody of her.
'Occasionally I would go and stay at my father's,' she says. 'We never went to the pictures or did anything normal as father and daughter.
'There were parties and drink and drugs and people half-naked. I remember him taking me to a sauna one time. Another time, he took me to a judge's house and left me there.'
Miss Henderson knows that parts of her story may sound unbelievable: 'Who would believe that the solicitor general and other top lawyers would be abusing children? Especially back in the 1970s and early 1980s. Those kind of things weren't talked about.'
She kept in touch with her father during her teenage years – a decision which might seem incomprehensible.
'I always wanted his approval,' she says quietly. 'I always wanted him to love me. I had this vision of what I wanted him to be. All my friends had nice Dads.
'And, as I said, he could be really, really charming. But when he was angry or drunk he was something totally different.'
Those questioning why Henderson was not brought to justice while he was alive may remember the Fettesgate scandal of the 1990s, when it was alleged that a magic circle of legal figures was conspiring to fix sentences. The case was eventually thrown out of court.
Miss Henderson says: 'With the Fettesgate scandal, my father had a list of all the prominent people involved and he used to just laugh. He would say, "If I go down, they'll all go down with me."
'He told me he could put me six feet under'
'He had all this evidence. He showed me. He just thought it was all hysterical. He knew he would take the whole lot of them with him. That's why it was all hush-hushed.'
And so it was that in 2000, having agreed to speak anonymously about her experiences to Sandra Brown, author of a book about child abuse called Where There is Evil, she found her story greeted with scepticism.
Senior Tories rallied to Fairbairn's defence, describing her allegations as 'absolute rubbish'.
Fairbairn's daughter Charlotte dismissed the claims. Henderson, by then retired but still a prominent member of the legal establishment, phoned his daughter and warned her not to continue making allegations.
'He told me he could put me six feet under,' says Miss Henderson, whose claims were investigated by the police. They interviewed both her and her mother, who supported her daughter's claims.
But following a mysterious leak to the Press and the loss of evidence, Miss Henderson halted the investigation. She explains now that the police had 'told me nobody would know until the investigation was over, but I was only half-way through my statement when it was leaked.
'To have that happen to you, when it had taken me years to get to the point where I felt it was time for justice, was devastating. I was just a whimpering mess. I couldn't go on.'
At the time, she handed a number of key pieces of evidence to police. She asked for their return several times over the years but was always told they were in a 'safe' place. Recently she was told that they had been 'mislaid'.
'I want answers for that,' she says. 'I want my stuff back. And I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil. Not just to me. There are other children out there.
'And these were people in power. We put them there and they are supposed to be trusted. It's not right.'
Miss Henderson has lived with the scars, physical and mental, of the abuse all her life. As a teenager she developed an eating disorder. Following the birth of her son in her twenties, she suffered debilitating post-natal depression that caused many memories of those terrible times to come flooding back.
Eventually, she spent time in a psychiatric unit. Today, however, she feels that finally people will understand that she is telling the truth about Fairbairn: 'I know – I hope – I will be believed.
'He used to pay me money for it,' she adds. 'A pound here, a pound there. It was as if it was his way of thinking it was OK, because he'd paid for it.'
And like many abuse victims, for a long time she believed it was her own fault.
'I used to feel guilty,' she says. 'I don't feel guilty any more. Now I'm able to stand up and have a voice.'
Daily Mail, August 14th, 2014
Jonathan Brocklebank, 'A magic circle of judges, a sex abuse probe and the sinister truth about theFettesgate scandal'
- Alleged in the 1990s that 'magic circle' of judges conspired to fix sentences
- But Crown investigators found in 1992 the was no evidence of conspiracy
- Detective's report into claims was stolen from Fettes police HQ in 1992
- Defence lawyer Robert Henderson let it be believed there was a magic circle
- His record of legal figures compromised by their homosexuality did not exist
- Henderson's daughter Susie has accused late father of abusing her
It was the scandal that shook the Scottish legal establishment to its foundations, leaving no senior figure in the judiciary untouched by the whispering campaign it triggered. And, it appeared, there was not a shred of truth in it.
Exhaustive inquiries by Crown investigators in 1992 found no evidence whatever that a so-called 'magic circle' of judges, sheriffs and advocates was conspiring to ensure that homosexual criminals were given soft-touch treatment by the courts. Talk of senior judges in the magic circle being blackmailed by 'rent boys' was dismissed by the investigators as fanciful – and claims of corruption and collusion in the judiciary rejected as the ravings of conspiracy theorists. Yet there was just one element in the 'Fettesgate' scandal that did not seem to gel. Why was one of Scotland's most admired and respected defence lawyers so keen to put it about that there was indeed a magic circle?
That man was Robert Henderson, a lawyer so lauded in his profession that fellow advocates used to make a point of slipping into court just to watch him in action. During the 1980s, after a particularly stirring closing speech to the jury in a murder trial, the presiding judge remarked that Henderson's oratory had been 'nothing short of masterful'.
He was charismatic, cultured and clubbable. And yet he seemed to want the world to know that the information he was sitting on would 'blow the lid off' the legal establishment.
Today's revelations, detailing the sickening abuse of his daughter and his procurement of the child for high-powered friends to rape and molest, provide the strongest clue to Robert Henderson's motivation. He was issuing a veiled threat to any and all who would attempt to bring him to justice.
As his daughter Susie Henderson reveals, he used to say: 'If I go down, they'll all go down with me.'
The defence lawyer certainly had no shortage of dirt on friends such as former Solicitor General Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, the MP he had allowed to rape his daughter.
But Henderson's record of senior legal figures supposedly compromised by their homosexuality never truly existed. It was a classic poker player's bluff – an attempt to convince potential opponents he held a stronger hand than he really did. And it worked. Henderson died at 75 in 2012 with his reputation largely intact.
Retired judge Lord McCluskey was among those to write a glowing tribute to him in the national Press. Henderson the smooth, impeccably attired defence counsel never did move from the well of the court to the part of the room where he truly belonged – the dock, to stand trial.
It was in 1989 that he stumbled upon the 'insurance policy' that might protect him against prosecution for the abuse to which he had subjected his daughter a decade and a half earlier. It came in the form of Colin Tucker, a gay solicitor accused – and later cleared – of embezzling funds from the clients of the firm Burnett Walker, where he was a junior partner.
When Henderson was instructed to act as his defence counsel, he asked the solicitor to write him a potted history of his time at the firm to help with his case. The resulting document extended to 32 sides of foolscap.
The second half of it was certainly salacious, dealing with the promiscuity of both Mr Tucker and the senior partner at the firm, Ian Walker, a closet homosexual who committed suicide in 1988. But Mr Tucker's statement contained damaging revelations about only one other member of the legal fraternity – Court of Session judge Lord Dervaird, who abruptly resigned in 1989. No one else had reason to be nervous. Yet Henderson made them so.
A three-month investigation led by prominent QC and future judge William Nimmo Smith into the alleged 'magic circle' conspiracy found: 'There is no allegation in the statement, directly or by implication, of homosexual behaviour by any prominent member of the Scottish legal establishment.'
The report added: 'In short, there is nothing in the statement which, if published, would "blow the lid off" the Scottish legal establishment, as we have heard it put.'
But Henderson tried to convince his colleagues otherwise. His first act on receiving the document from Mr Tucker was to breach his client's confidentiality by passing news of it to legal peers, not forgetting to mention Lord Dervaird in the process.
In the Chinese whispers which followed, the document morphed into a 'list' of names – and rumour abounded about the people who might be included on it. It was all sparked by Henderson's betrayal of his client's confidence – a schoolboy error it was hard to believe a lawyer as experienced as Henderson could commit innocently. The 101-page Crown report into alleged conspiracy hinted as much.
It said: 'We cannot avoid the conclusion that Robert Henderson has been one of the main instigators and perpetuators of the belief that there was a document, whether or not in the form of a "list", containing information relating to persons other than Lord Dervaird, and, in particular, other judges.
'Even after our inquiry began, he made statements to journalists which did nothing to dispel such a belief.'
Henderson allegedly told one journalist that if the list ever did come out it would ruin many careers in the legal establishment.
He claimed to other journalists that he kept a file in a safe at a secret location which would 'rock the establishment' and have reporters 'salivating all the way to the telephone'.
The report concludes Henderson had chosen to let it be believed that he had information he did not have. One theory the investigators considered is he did so to head off possible criminal charges relating to irregularities in his business affairs.
But they dismissed the possibility that the case had quietly been dropped over fears that Henderson had the legal establishment in a stranglehold.
Could it be that the defence lawyer had much more to lose than his reputation over a few shady business deals? That his persistence in talking up the magic circle 'list' had much more to do with providing him an amnesty for his monstrous activities in the family home?
Whatever his motivations, the magic circle conspiracy would probably have amounted to little more than unsubstantiated gossip, had Henderson not handed over a copy of Mr Tucker's statement to the police.
It was an act that his client viewed as the ultimate treachery. Henderson's explanation was that he did so in 'wider interests', but perhaps they were really rather narrow interests – his own.
The Tucker statement fed into a probe which Lothian and Borders police were already carrying out following allegations of senior public figures involved with rent boys in Edinburgh.
Ultimately it was passed to Detective Inspector Roger Orr, who had received orders to get to the bottom of claims that a well-established circle of homosexuals in the legal fraternity were seriously subverting justice.
The detective's final report was supposed to be for chief constable Sir William Sutherland's eyes only. But what happened next made his findings very public indeed.
The reason the scandal is known as Fettesgate is because it was at the Police HQ at Fettes that Mr Orr's confidential report was to be found. And an intruder slipped in to the building through an open window and stole it.
The thief went to some lengths to disguise his intent in the break-in, daubing Animal Liberation Front slogans on the walls.
But the files taken were so sensitive, so potentially embarrassing, that the true purpose of the raid was soon clear enough. Panic swept the force as the scope for blackmailers dawned on its officers. In the Orr report lay the potential for a collapse of public faith in the judicial system – for the detective did believe that some court cases were influenced by a magic circle.
The thief, it turned out, was a homosexual criminal and police informant called Derek Donaldson, who fed stories from his haul of police files to national newspaper journalists.
Finally Donaldson was assured immunity from prosecution in return for handing back the files, but the controversial findings of the Orr Report still made it into the public domain, causing a national sensation.
So grave was the charge now faced by the Scottish legal establishment that Prime Minister John Major ordered the Lord Advocate to hold an inquiry.
William Nimmo Smith and regional procurator fiscal James Friel were the men now tasked with uncovering the truth about the magic circle 'conspiracy'.
They found no proof of any such magic circle – but clear evidence that Henderson wanted people to think there was one. Time and again, they concluded, it was 'loose talk' by Henderson which promoted the belief in a magic circle.
There was a final, extraordinary twist before the report's official publication. A man posing as a reporter from a high-brow newspaper managed to con his way into Nimmo Smith's home with a tape recorder and quiz him on the report's findings.
The bogus journalist was none other than Derek Donaldson, the Fettes HQ thief.
Donaldson immediately sold his scoop to a tabloid, which ran a story under the headline 'Nimmo the Dimmo'. Days later, the senior lawyer was admitted to hospital with nervous exhaustion.
It is perhaps significant that Sir Nicholas Fairbairn was among the most vocal critics of the blunder, saying: 'This absolutely impurifies the whole process. I don't see that the Lord Advocate can do anything but reappoint a new commission to do the whole thing again.'
Just over two years later, Fairbairn was dead – never in his lifetime exposed as a paedophile. His friend Henderson lived much longer – long enough to learn that his daughter had no intention of letting him get away with his appalling treatment of her as a child.
Calling herself Julie X, she told newspapers in 2000 that her father, a leading Edinburgh lawyer, had abused her from the age of four. The law prevented her from naming him publicly, but he knew who he was – he knew she was coming after him.
And so the final years of a once-universally esteemed lawyer were lived with the tension of his disgrace hanging over him like a filthy raincloud.
He died before it burst. His sudden demise at his retirement home in South-west France spared him from ever facing the consequences of his deeds. And the tributes which followed his death were all generous.
'It was a joy when Bob walked into court and announced he was appearing as counsel for the defence,' remembered Lord McCluskey.
'The lights seemed to shine a little brighter.'
Henderson was, it seems, a much darker character than the senior judge ever realised.
Evening News (Edinburgh), August 14th, 2014
Diane King, 'Top Tory raped me when I was four, now I want justice'
THE daughter of a prominent Edinburgh lawyer at the centre of the Fettesgate scandal of the 1990s has claimed she was raped by her father and a senior Tory MP.
Susie Henderson, the daughter of QC and temporary sheriff Robert Henderson, waived her right to anonymity to talk about the abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of her father and the late Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, a former MP for Kinross and Western Perthshire, when she was four.
Miss Henderson, 48, said she was the victim of an organised paedophile ring consisting of high-powered legal figures who subjected her to years of abuse at locations including the five-storey Georgian townhouse in the New Town where her family lived.
Her father, Robert Henderson, was a pivotal figure in a major legal scandal of the late 1980s and early 1990s when he claimed a "magic circle" of judges, sheriffs and advocates were conspiring to ensure homosexual criminals were given light sentences by the courts. The claims were dismissed in an official inquiry, but much of the evidence in the report was stolen from Fettes by conman Derek Donaldson in 1992 and sold to the press.
Miss Henderson today called for a police investigation into her father and Fairbairn, halted in 2000 after evidence was mislaid and crucial details leaked to the press, to be re-opened.
"I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil. Not just to me. There are other children out there. And these were people in power. We put them there and they are supposed to be trusted."
Miss Henderson first made allegations against Fairbairn and her father under the alias of Julie X in 2000, but no charges were brought.
She has chosen to come forward and be named after Fairbairn was implicated in the scandal over the Elm Guest House in London which saw youngsters abused by high-profile figures in the 1980s. Fairbairn died in 1995 at the age of 61, while Henderson died in 2012 aged 75.
Fairbairn's daughter, Charlotte, 50, reportedly said she "did not know" whether the allegations against her father were true, but said she doubted it. "I would be very surprised by that, but he is dead," she said. "He is not here to defend himself."
Documents targeted by thief
THE Fettesgate scandal of 1992 involved the theft of sensitive materials from Lothian and Borders Police HQ at Fettes in July, 1992 – including a report by Detective Inspector Roger Orr into claims of an established "magic circle" of homosexuals in the legal fraternity who were subverting the course of justice. The theft was disguised as an attack by the Animal Liberation Front, but it later emerged the documents had been targeted by thief and conman Derek Conway, who sold the information from the files to national newspapers. Donaldson was later given an assured immunity from prosecution in return for handing back the files – but not before the Orr report made it into the public domain.
Daily Telegraph, August 15th, 2014
Auslan Cramb, 'I was victim of paedophile ring says woman 'abused' by Tory MP'
A WOMAN has claimed she was raped by a Tory MP who was a close ally of Margaret Thatcher and sexually abused by her father, a senior figure in the Scottish legal establishment.
Susie Henderson said she was sexually abused as a small child by her father, Robert Henderson QC, and by his friend Sir Nicholas Fairbairn.
She has waived her right to anonymity to claim she was the victim of an organised paedophile ring that also involved other legal figures.
Miss Henderson, 48, a mother of one who works in social care, first made allegations against Fairbairn, who was made solicitor general of Scotland by Mrs Thatcher, in 2000, when she was known only as Julie X. The police launched an inquiry at the time but no charges were brought after she halted the investigation when part of her statement was leaked to the press.
She said she had now decided to disclose her identity after the late Tory MP, who died in 1995, was linked to the scandal over the Elm Guest House in London, where youngsters from children's homes were allegedly abused in the 1980s.
Last month, Fairbairn was named as one of those believed to have visited the house, which was also said to have been visited by Cyril Smith, the late Liberal MP who has been exposed as a paedophile.
Miss Henderson, who lives with her partner near Inverness, said she wanted a new police inquiry. She told the Daily Mail: "I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil. Not just to me."
She added that she believes her father, who died in 2012, began abusing her at the age of three and repeatedly abused her until she was eight.
Miss Henderson also claimed her father, who was highly regarded as a defence lawyer and temporary sheriff, could be sadistically cruel, drank heavily and treated her mother like a "slave".
She claimed that the family home in Edinburgh was often full of her father's friends, who also abused her.
She told the newspaper that when she made the claims in 2000, senior Tories described her allegations as "rubbish" and her father phoned her and warned her not to continue making the allegations.
Miss Henderson also disclosed that she developed an eating disorder as a teenager, and that following the birth of her son in her twenties she suffered postnatal depression that caused many memories of the abuse to return and later spent time in a psychiatric unit.
She said she now hoped that she would be believed, adding: "He [Fairbairn] used to pay me money for it. A pound here, a pound there. It was as if it was his way of thinking it okay."
Graeme Pearson, Scottish Labour's justice spokesman, said ministers could not "stand back" from the call for an inquiry.
Fairbairn's daughter Charlotte told the newspaper that she "utterly doubted" that her father was a child abuser, adding that he was "not here to defend himself".
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Robert Henderson claimed a so-called "magic circle" of judges, sheriffs and advocates were conspiring to ensure that homosexual criminals were given softtouch treatment by the courts. The claims were dismissed in an official inquiry.
GRAPHIC: Susie Henderson waived her anonymity to accuse her late father Robert Henderson QC and the Tory MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, right, of abusing her when she was a child
The Herald, August 15th, 2014
Victoria Weldon, 'Former judge's shock over QC paedophile ring allegations'
A FORMER senior judge has claimed he is "utterly flabbergasted" at allegations a prominent lawyer and close friend of his headed up a high profile paedophile ring.
Lord McCluskey said he was also shocked to hear that Robert Henderson QC had been accused of repeatedly sexually abusing his daughter from the age of three.
Susie Henderson has waived her right to anonymity to tell of her alleged ordeal at the hands of her father and several other prominent figures, including senior Tory MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn.
The 48-year-old claims she was repeatedly subjected to sickening sex attacks by her father, who was well known and respected in Scotland's legal fraternity.
She also alleges that she was passed among a number of his colleagues who also attacked and raped her at the family's Edinburgh home.
Lord McCluskey, a former Solicitor General for Scotland, said he found the claims hard to believe.
The former judge, who wrote a glowing obituary for Mr Henderson following his death in 2012, said: "I'm utterly flabbergasted by these allegations. Never in my life have I heard any suggestion of anything of this kind involving Bob Henderson.
"I'm just amazed to hear it and I would be astonished if it turns out to be true.
"I've no reason to believe it's true – I have no evidence and I never heard even a bit of gossip suggesting this.
"I would await the outcome of any inquiry before adding anything further."
Miss Henderson's case was looked at by police in 2000, but was halted after details were leaked to the press. She said officers had told her that nobody would know until the investigation was over, but panicked and refused to continue when details appeared publicly.
At that time she handed a number of key pieces of evidence over to the police but claims she was recently told that they had been "misplaced".
A number of articles appeared following the initial investigation, but Miss Henderson was referred to only as Julie X and her father's identity was never revealed.
She now wants the case to be reopened by detectives.
"I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil," she said. "Not just to me. There are other children out there. And these were people in power. We put them there and they are supposed to be trusted. It's not right."
Miss Henderson also claims to have the names of six other members of the Scottish legal profession who were involved, two of whom are still alive.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal said Police Scotland were committed to investigating all reports of historic abuse.
She said: "There are many reasons why a victim may not report such abuse until years – even decades – after the event.
"These can include fear of not being believed, especially if the individual is a prominent public figure, and of reliving the incidents. Similarly, some victims may contact the police to report abuse but then find it too difficult. We will listen, we will ask our partners in support services to assist and we can pick up where we left off when they feel more able to provide the necessary information."
She added: "Any report of historic child abuse will be treated seriously."
Miss Henderson claims that, while her father was seen as a flamboyant star of the legal profession, behind closed doors her had a much more sinister side.
She believes he began abusing her when she was just three and would tell her mother he was taking her for a nap before carrying out the attacks. The advocate also hosted regular parties and Miss Henderson said she was told to do "whatever anybody wanted".
Miss Henderson claims to remember an incident where Mr Fairbairn, a former Solicitor General, raped her when she was just four or five years old.
Mr Fairbairn, who died in 1995, has been linked to the notorious Elm Guest House in London, where young boys are believed to have been plied with alcohol and sexually assaulted. Calls have been made for the Scottish Government to instruct an inquiry into historic sex abuse cases.
GRAPHIC: Nicholas Fairbairn: Susie Henderson claims he raped her. Robert Henderson: Daughter claims he sexually abused her. claims: Susie Henderson says she was subjected to sickening sex attacks by her father. Picture: Derek Ironside
Evening News (Edinburgh), August 15th, 2014
Kaye Nicolson, 'Victims of rape need justice'
Calls have been made for a Scottish investigation into historic rape claims after the daughter of a prominent Edinburgh solicitor claimed she was the victim of a paedophile ring.
Susie Henderson, whose father Robert Henderson was the QC and temporary sheriff at the heart of the Fettesgate scandal, waived her right to anonymity to talk about the abuse she allegedly suffered as a child at the hands of her father and the late Tory MP Sir NicholasFairbairn.
The 48-year-old claimed she was targeted by high-powered legal figures who subjected her to years of abuse at addresses in the Capital – including her New Town family home.
Miss Henderson's shocking claims – which included an allegation that Sir Nicholas raped her at the age of four – have fuelled calls for a thorough inquiry into historic child abuse cases in Scotland.
The UK government has launched plans for an overarching child abuse inquiry, but its exact remit has not been confirmed.
Lothians Labour MSP Sarah Boyack today added her voice to growing pressure for a home-based investigation after her party colleague and former police officer Graeme Pearson demanded a public inquiry last month.
She said: "I support his call because victims need access to justice. Survivors of abuse deserve the chance be heard and possibly gain closure from their horrific experiences. It is also important that lessons are learned for the future."
She added: "With more people speaking out, the case for a public inquiry becomes ever stronger."
Meanwhile, Police Scotland said it was "committed" to investigating all reports of historic child abuse.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal said: "There are many reasons why a victim may not report such abuse until years – even decades – after the event.
"These can include fear of not being believed, especially if the individual is a prominent public figure, and of reliving the incidents. Similarly, some victims may contact the police to report abuse but then find it too difficult. We will listen."
Robert Henderson QC, who died in 2012, prompted a major legal scandal in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he claimed a "magic circle" of judges, sheriffs and advocates were conspiring to ensure homosexual criminals were given light sentences by the courts. The claims were dismissed in an official inquiry, but much of the evidence in the report was stolen from Fettes police HQ by conman Derek Donaldson and sold to the press, in an incident dubbed "Fettesgate".
The UK government's child abuse inquiry was announced earlier this year after it was alleged that senior politicians were passed files in the 1980s containing paedophile allegations about prominent figures.
The Sun, August 15th, 2014
Stuart Patterson, 'I was raped aged four by MP Sir Nicky; Top Tory 'in paedo gang"
A MUM claims she was raped by former Tory stalwart Sir Nicholas Fairbairn when she was four years old.
Susie Henderson suffered years of abuse at the hands of Scotland's ex-Solicitor General, she says.
She told how she was offered for sex to the MP by her father Robert Henderson, also a lawyer, who also raped her.
Susie, 48, claimed the pair were part of a secret paedophile ring of Scottish establishment figures, who preyed on underage youngsters at drink and drug-fuelled parties.
She said: "I want it acknowledged that my father and Fairbairn did something very evil. Not just to me.
"There are other children out there. These were people in power. We put them there and they are supposed to be trusted. It's not right."
Susie claims her father laughed as she was abused for the first time by Fairbairn at the family home in Edinburgh.
She said the flamboyant Kinross and Western Perthshire MP – who died aged 61 in 1995 – later gave her money after some sex attacks.
And she named six other members of the legal profession who she claims also abused her, including two still alive. Her father was never charged before he died in 2012 at 75.
Susie's allegations come as an official probe has been launched amid claims of a Westminster paedophile ring.
Fairbairn, known as Nicky, was named as a possible suspect. His daughter Charlotte, 50, said she would be "very surprised" if the claims were true.
She added: "I doubt it. It's all such a long time ago. I hope it's not true.
Daily Mail, August 23rd, 2014
Guy Adams and Andrew Malone, 'Revealed: Full Horrifying Truth about the other Paedophile at Maggie's side'
Despite his reputation as a womaniser and fondness for malt whisky, a daily habit that brought about his premature death aged just 61, the funeral of Sir Nicholas Fairbairn in 1995 was marked by an outpouring of respect and admiration.
As more than 1,000 luminaries crammed into St John's Kirk in Perth, the former Tory MP's significance as a political figure was underlined by the presence of Lady Thatcher, who had promoted the brilliant solicitor to her first Cabinet in 1979.
While a lone Scottish piper played a lament, Britain's first woman Prime Minister strode solemnly to the pulpit to read an excerpt from The Prophet, a book by the Lebanese poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran, who had been one of Fairbairn's favourite authors.
Her tribute was witnessed by a host of leading politicians, judges, and Scottish aristocrats of the day.
They had come to pay respects to a uniquely colourful individual who, in a political career spanning two decades, has achieved a mixture of fame and notoriety as one the most recognisable but also controversial members of the Commons.
A self-styled eccentric, who lived in the 13th-century Fordell Castle near Dunfermline, Sir Nicholas was blessed with extraordinary intelligence and political talent. He had been Scotland's youngest ever QC before being elected MP for Perth and Kinross in 1974, at the age of 40.
In Westminster, where his initial rise was stratospheric, he cut a dandyish figure, and was often seen in blue baronial tartan adorned with two miniature (working) silver revolvers, which Sir Nicholas would load with blanks and fire when drunk.
When speaking in the Commons, Sir Nicolas sometimes wore an enormous Highland smock (I know I look like an ironmonger, but I don't want my suits to glitter like other MPs' '), or a kilt teamed with double-breasted scarlet jacket, gold watch chain and lurid pink shirt.
Other favourite outfits were buckled shoes, tartan knickerbockers, and a thick brown jumper over which he placed a huge leather belt with a metal buckle. When the Queen knighted him in 1988, he turned up in full Scottish regalia, complete with a skhian dubh a small dagger and sword.
Clothes weren't the only thing about Sir Nicholas that generated column inches, though.
A notorious adulterer, who clocked up two wives and scores of mistresses, he was forced to resign as Lady Thatcher's Solicitor General for Scotland in 1982, after a scandal stemming from his decision not to press charges against a group of men accused of attacking a Glasgow prostitute with razor blades during a gang rape.
Thereafter, he descended into chronic alcoholism, consuming at least a bottle of Scotch each day though he stressed that he was happy to make do' with vodka.
As his fondness for drink worsened, his tongue loosened. Throughout the Eighties and early Nineties, he became notorious for giving colourful interviews in which he expressed deeply offensive, and often highly misogynistic, sentiments.
On Desert Island Discs, for example, he declared that female MPs lack fragrance they all look as if they're from the 5th Kiev Stalinist machine gun parade'.
In newspaper interviews, he called Labour MP and feminist Clare Short the big, fat one,' described rape victims as tauntresses' and asked what is a skirt, but an open gateway?'
In late-night Commons debate about the gay age of consent in 1994, Sir Nicholas was meanwhile called to order by the Speaker for delivering a drunken diatribe against homosexuality which included an obscene description of the mechanics of sodomy'.
In later years he took great pleasure in making unsolicited and often deeply demeaning advances on women unfortunate enough to catch his eye.
The Guardian reporter Judy Rumbold interviewed him in 1991. Towards the end of proceedings, she wrote: He lunges across the table and tries to engage me in a whiskery snog.' Shockingly, Fairbairn's second wife, Suzanne (known as Sam) was in the next room at the time.
Not even Lady Thatcher could avoid his unwanted attention. In the mid-Eighties, Sir Nicholas drunkenly propositioned the then Prime Minister during a dinner at Hollyrood Palace, whispering into her ear that he'd always fancied' her.
The Iron Lady is said to have responded: Quite right, Nicholas, you have very good taste.' But noting the extent of Fairbairn's intoxication, she then added: However, I don't think that you would make it at the moment.'
Doubtless Lady Thatcher, like many in those less enlightened times, regarded her former Cabinet ally as an amusing buffoon.
Perhaps she, and other friends, forgave his wandering hands as a sort of harmless horseplay. Indeed, following his death from cirrhosis of the liver, obituaries portrayed him as a bombastic eccentric who'd added greatly to the gaiety of Westminster.
But that was then. Today, things have changed. And in light of a series of appalling recent allegations, that light-hearted view of SirNicholas Fairbairn seems nothing less than grotesque.
For in addition to being a drunk and a womaniser, this famous Scottish Conservative also stands accused of being a predatory paedophile one of two abusers now identified in Lady Thatcher's inner circle.
Talking to the Daily Mail last week, 48-year-old Susie Henderson gave a disturbing account of her childhood encounters with the MP.
Waiving her anonymity, she claimed that Fairbairn had sexually assaulted and raped her on several occasions, beginning when she was four years old.
Sir Nicholas was a close friend of Susie's late father, Robert Henderson, a fellow leading light of the Scottish legal establishment, who regularly held decadent private parties at his family's large and smartly decorated townhouse in Edinburgh.
It was during one of these sordid events in about 1970 that Susie says her father came into the kitchen with Fairbairn.
I was maybe four years old,' she told the Mail. I had a skirt on and Nicholas and my dad had been drinking, and my dad told me to sit on Nicholas's knee. I sat on his knee and he put his hand up my skirt and abused me. My dad just stood there laughing.'
During another party, Susie says she was raped by Sir Nicholas and another man in a guest room at the top of her parents' five-storey home.
I hated that man,' said Ms Henderson, who says she still recalls the pungent smell of Fairbairn's feet. She's not sure exactly how often Sir Nicholas abused her over the years, but says it happened many times.
Ms Henderson does not seem to have been his only victim, either.
Last month, Sir Nicholas was named as one of three MPs on a list of clients of the notorious Elm Guest House, a gay brothel in Barnes, West London, where under-age boys from a nearby care home were allegedly plied with drink and drugs and sexually abused.
The other MPs were Sir Peter Morrison another Scottish minister close to Lady Thatcher, who was a prolific child abuser and Cyril Smith, the Liberal MP for Rochdale exposed as a paedophile in 2012.
The trio feature in documents apparently penned by the owner of the guesthouse, which state that N Fairburn' (sic) and C Smith' (who asked to be called Tubby by staff and boys), visited on June 7, 1982. The documents add that Fairburn' had used boys in sauna'. Given the very public opposition to homosexuality that Fairbairn expressed in Parliament, allegations that he abused boys at a gay sauna have shocked his former colleagues.
Take an extended look at hiss life, however, and some astonishing secrets emerge. For in his younger days, this obsessive womaniser turns out to have been something rather different: a highly promiscuous gay liberation activist with murky links to the now-notorious Paedophile Information Exchange.
And indeed, those who knew him before he entered politics say that Fairbairn grew up aggressively bisexual, but suppressed his true desires in order to advance in the Tory party of the mid-Seventies.
They believe this left him hopelessly conflicted, leading to his chronic drink problem and the predatory and often hugely offensive nature of his advances to women.
The story begins in a deeply dysfunctional childhood. Fairbairn was born in 1933. His father was a prominent psychoanalyst, his mother an aristocrat. By the time I was born,' he recalled, they were totally estranged.'
After graduating from the exclusive Loretto School and Edinburgh University, he trained as a solicitor, and soon became known in legal circles as a gifted advocate with strong libertarian principles and, outside the office, a keen interest in the arts.
An amateur poet and painter, he soon became chairman of Edinburgh's Left-wing Traverse theatre in the Sixties. And it was here that he became active in the radical gay community.
Under Fairbairn's stewardship, the Traverse began specialising in gay and lesbian drama,' recalls a contemporary. I remember going to one play called something like Gay Sweatshop,' and another called Mass in F,' which was full of nudity and got picketed by the Mary Whitehouse lobby. The funny thing, given Fairbairn's views later in life, was that he was also notorious for propositioning male actors and theatre staff. I remember a boy in his 20s telling me about an advance Fairbairn had made on him at a Traverse party.'
Fairbairn was in fact married from 1962-79, to Elizabeth Mackay, the daughter of the 13th Baron Reay and mother of his three surviving daughters. But in the circles in which he moved, this was not uncommon.
It was a time of free love. You must remember that homosexuality was illegal in Scotland until 1980, and many gay and bisexual men were supposedly happily married,' adds the contemporary.
We have established that, in 1970, Sir Nicholas became honorary vice president of the Scottish Minorities Group (SMG), a new, radical gay liberation organisation founded by a man called Ian Dunn.
The SMG campaigned, among other things, for homosexuality to be legalised in Scotland, and for the age of consent to be identical for gay and straight sex.
But it also had a more contentious place in history. For in 1974, Dunn and another SMG activist, Michael Hanson, co-founded the Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE). The vile organisation, which lobbied for child sex to be legalised, was for the first year of its existence a sub- committee of the SMG.
Over the ensuing years, PIE retained affiliate status with the SMG, and forged links with other mainstream groups, including the National Council for Civil Liberties, which at the time was being run by future Labour heavyweights Patricia Hewitt, Harriet Harman and Jack Dromey.
Ms Hewitt apologised for her links to PIE earlier this year when they were highlighted by the Mail, though Harman and Dromey have so far refused to say sorry.
But we digress. After being selected as Conservative MP, Fairbairn performed a remarkable ethical volte face, quietly resigning his vice presidency of SMG in 1974, and morphing overnight into a vociferous opponent of gay rights. His links to PIE were never discovered by the Press. And details of his progressive youth never filtered through to Westminster where, though re-married to Suzanne, he ensured that he became famed as a womaniser by embarking on several high-profile affairs.
There were dozens of female lovers. One, a Commons secretary, attempted suicide outside his London home in 1981. Another, broadcaster Esther Rantzen, says he plied her with Krug and beluga caviar a few years later. The rest was inevitable,' she wrote in her memoirs.
Ian Pace, a lecturer at City University in London, and a campaigner and researcher on organised abuse, believes Fairbairn's behaviour during this era was part of a concerted effort to cover the tracks' of his bisexual past.
If so, then it wasn't entirely successful. In the early Nineties, a Scottish newspaper discovered Fairbairn's name in an old piece of SMG literature. He responded by claiming that he'd had no idea of the nature of the perverted' minority the SMG lobbied for when he'd agreed to be their figurehead.
That explanation always seemed unlikely, however. A former SMG activist who emailed the Mail this week described it as clearly a lie'.
I have never had access to early SMG membership records (they probably no longer exist), but I am told that Fairbairn was a fully paid up individual member before he was appointed as Honorary VP,' said the activist.
Even if he hadn't been, SMG was very high profile. And of course Fairbairn received all the Group's mailings, for four years, so he must have known what the organisation did.
He moved in a lot of artistic circles in his youth and I know several (straight) people who can recall being propositioned by him. I wonder to what extent the denial of his sexuality led to the drinking which so clearly wrecked his life.'
Little wonder, perhaps, that even in his final years, Fairbairn still manoeuvred to keep his past under wraps.
A few years before his death, he called for Leveson-style curbs on Press freedom amid newspaper claims (dismissed by an inquiry) that a so-called magic circle' of Scottish judges, sheriffs and advocates in his former professional set were conspiring to ensure that homosexual criminals were given soft-touch treatment by the courts.
After Sir Nicholas was buried at Fordell Castle, the obituaries talked of him as one of Parliament's great womanisers. All of them, that is, except one in the little-read underground magazine ScotsGay.
Obtained by the Mail this week, it lamented that Fairbairn had died firmly in the closet'.
One straight man who remembers being propositioned by Fairbairn in the Sixties told ScotsGay: It was really a shame if he'd just accepted and been open about his bisexuality it would have taken a lot of pressure off him and he might not have taken to the drink.'
Given what we now know, of course, Fairbairn had plenty of other reasons to conceal the real nature of his sexuality. Did he, perhaps, drink himself to death because he was haunted by his paedophile past?
That seems unlikely. Shortly before his death, he expressed no regrets. I've had a hell of good time on Earth,' he told Martin Robb, a fellow Tory. It has been Heaven.'
* Additional reporting:
Graham Grant
Secret perversion: Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, and, below, with Margaret Thatcher. Inset, Susie Henderson, who says he raped her when she was four years old.
Sunday Herald, August 24th, 2014
'Notorious paedophile headed Scottish care home inquiry'
CHILD protection experts and abuse survivors are demanding an inquiry into why one of Britain's most notorious paedophiles was put in charge of an investigation into a crimes against children at a Glasgow boys' home.
The Sunday Herald has learned that Peter Righton – one of Britain's leading care workers, and a man who lived a double life as a paedophile – headed an investigation into allegations of cruelty at the Larchgrove assessment centre for boys in Glasgow in the 1970s.
The inquiry resulted in no criminal proceedings being taken, despite 13 out of 30 allegations of violence and neglect being proved. The home, in Springboig, was under the control of Glasgow City Council, then Glasgow Corporation.
Glasgow City Council is now trying to trace all documentation in connection with the case. The council and the Scottish Government have both called on anyone who may have suffered abuse at Larchgrove to contact the police.
Although the inquiry in the 1970s focused solely on physical and emotional abuse, an investigation by the Sunday Herald in 2007 revealed that sexual abuse of children was also taking place in Larchgrove at the same time. A former director of social work said he had been aware of abuse at the home in the mid-1970s. There were claims that female as well as male members of staff were involved in the abuse of boys.
Righton, who co-led the Larchgrove inquiry in 1973, worked as a child protection expert and social care worker. However, he was also a founding member of the infamous Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE) which campaigned for adults to be allowed to legally have sex with children.
In 1992, Righton was convicted of importing child abuse images when customs intercepted material en route from Holland. A police raid on his home turned up more paedophile material as well as numerous letters relating details of abuse.
He died in 2007, but last year the Metropolitan Police set up Operation Cayacos to investigate claims that Righton was part of an establishment paedophile network.
Claims have been made that Righton was connected to Cyril Smith, the late Liberal MP now exposed as a paedophile. Smith is known to have visited the Elm Guest House in London. Following claims that politicians and others abused boys in care at the Elm Guest House, the Met launched Operation Fernbridge. The late Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, a Conservative MP and solicitor-general for Scotland, has also been linked to the Elm Guest House.
Righton worked in a children's home and was a lecturer in child protection and residential care. He was director of education at the National Institute for Social Work, and a consultant to the National Children's Bureau. However, he is also now seen as one of the most determined and well-connected paedophile offenders in British criminal history.
The inquiry into Larchgrove ended in March 1973, when Righton was in his mid-40s. It came just a few years after Righton advised the Home Office on changes to the residential childcare system. As part of his research, Righton is alleged to have travelled extensively to carehomes across the UK.
There are claims he also visited Bryn Estyn approved school in Wrexham in Wales. Bryn Estyn was later at the centre of an abuse scandal which saw 140 former residents claim they were abused from 1974-84. An official report described "appalling" abuse, and former housemaster Peter Howarth was jailed for 10 years for sexually abusing boys as young as 12.
Peter McKelvie, a former head of child protection in England who helped convict Righton, told the Sunday Herald: "It is for me a no-brainer that Righton's 1973 Larchgrove inquiry has to be declared null and void for many reasons and a new inquiry needs to be requested which should take an in-depth look at who recommended Righton and appointed him.
"A new investigation must be sought and former residents of Larchgrove pre-1973 be encouraged to come forward."
Frank Doherty, founder of the Scottish charity Incas – In Care Abuse Survivors – yesterday also called for a new inquiry. Doherty was a resident at Larchgrove in the late 1960s and was subjected to regular physical abuse and violence.
He said Righton's role leading the Larchgrove inquiry was "disgraceful", adding that as well as a fresh inquiry into the care home, the Scottish Government should also institute a wide-ranging public inquiry into abuse, equivalent to Northern Ireland's Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse.
"There has been too much cover-up and protection of those in high places," Doherty said.
"We [Incas] have been calling for a public inquiry, similar to the one now going on in Northern Ireland, for the last 15 years. The Scottish Government is doing nothing to help us."
The Larchgrove inquiry was conducted by Ronald Bennett QC, Sheriff of Berwickshire, and Righton. They were appointed by Glasgow council to investigate allegations made by a former supervisor, Francis Corrigan, at the carehome. Their report stated: "We do not find that the staff at Larchgrove pursued a course of systematic violence or harshness towards the boys in their charge."
Some of the complaints of ill-treatment brought by the staff whistleblower were described as trivial, exaggerated and showing undue sensitivity. The report went on to praise staff for devotion to duty under "stress-producing conditions".
Larchgrove was formerly known as a remand home for boys aged 11 and up who had appeared before a Children's Panel or Sheriff Court.
The decision not to go for criminal proceedings in the Larchgrove case was taken in a statement issued on March 21, 1973 by Stanley Bowen, Crown Agent for Scotland, with the authority of Norman Wylie QC, the Lord Advocate – who was also a Conservative MP in Edinburgh. The statement said that the required standard of evidence was not available to justify criminal proceedings.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said yesterday: "It's understandable that people might have concerns. We are attempting to recover the report of the investigation and any surviving paperwork. While we will look afresh at any evidence of how the investigation was carried out, anyone who wishes to make an allegation of criminality should contact Police Scotland in the first instance."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "In terms of in-care historic abuse, independent inquiries in 2007 and 2009 explored how such abuses happened and addressed the particular challenges faced by the care system in Scotland.
"This systemic review and legislation on the management, cataloguing and retention of records delivered major improvements in the protection of young people in care. The Scottish Government will consider what further action is required in advance of our response to the Interaction Action Plan Recommendations in the autumn.
"We have also set up the National Confidential Forum which allows those who were placed in institutional care as children to recount their experiences of being in care in a confidential, non-judgmental and supportive setting."
GRAPHIC: Peter Righton, below, one of Britain's leading care workers while living a double life as a paedophile, led an investigation into allegations of cruelty at Larchgrove in Glasgow, left, in the 1970s
Scotland on Sunday, November 9th, 2014
Tom Peterkin, 'Behind the scenes bid to mount child abuse inquiry for Scotland'
A PLAN to hold public inquiry into historical child abuse in Scotland is being prepared by the Scottish Government, Scotland on Sunday has learned.
Ministers are looking at establishing a high-profile investigation into allegations of abuse carried out in care homes, educational institutions, by religious orders and by high-profile members of the Scottish establishment.
Discussions are taking place about the remit and timing of an inquiry, which would look at the allegations and how they were handled by the authorities at the time.
This week the education secretary, Michael Russell, will address Holyrood on child protection and will mention the issue of historical abuse in Scotland. His statement on Tuesday is not expected to include an official announcement of a public inquiry – an omission that will dismay abuse survivors who have been campaigning for years for such an investigation.
However, Scotland on Sunday understands that ministers and officials are working behind the scenes to set up a historical abuse inquiry in the coming months.
More work needs to be done to establish the precise nature of the inquiry and ministers are deliberating in order to avoid the problems that have plagued a similar investigation south of the Border.
Last week, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, apologised over the failure of a UK Government inquiry into child abuse to find a suitable chairperson.
Her apology came after May's second nominated chairperson, Fiona Woolf, stood down because of her links to Lord Brittan, the Tory politician who was home secretary when some of the alleged abuse took place.
Woolf's departure followed the resignation of Baroness Butler-Sloss, who resigned because of a conflict of interests arising from her brother Sir Michael Havers's position as attorney general during the 1980s.
In Scotland, allegations of historical abuse have been made by former pupils at the Roman Catholic Fort Augustus School on the banks of Loch Ness. Hundreds of children are said to have been abused at Nazareth House in Aberdeen. Allegations of cruelty have also been made by those who were at Larchgrove boys home in Glasgow.
The inquiry is also expected to examine allegations involving the late Conservative MP Nicholas Fairbairn and a prominent member of the legal establishment, Robert Henderson QC.
This summer Henderson's daughter Susie waived her anonymity to allege she had been assaulted by her father and Fairbairn, both of whom are now dead, from the age of four.
She said they were members of an organised paedophile ring which abused her in her family's Georgian house in Edinburgh's New Town and other locations. Fairbairn, a QC and former solicitor-general, has already been linked to the Elm Guest House in London – a gay brothel alleged to have hosted parties where vulnerable young boys had sex with influential people, which is now the subject of a police investigation named Operation Fernbridge.
Henderson was at the heart of the so-called Magic Circle scandal which emerged in 1989 and centred around rumours that a network of homosexual lawyers and judges in Scotland were conspiring to "go easy" on gay criminals. The rumours led to Fettesgate – where a 1992 police report into the claims was stolen from Edinburgh's police headquarters – and ultimately led to an inquiry by William Nimmo Smith QC the following year, which dismissed claims of a conspiracy.
The Nimmo Smith report also took in concerns over Operation Planet, an investigation into a 16-year-old boy on leave from a children's home who was drugged and raped by a group of men at an address in Edinburgh.
It is expected to be a matter of months before the Scottish Government makes the final decision on what form any inquiry will take.
Last night campaigners for an inquiry gave a cautious welcome to the prospect of an investigation, but remained impatient that it was taking so long. Frank Doherty, the founder of of INCAS (In Care Abuse Survivors) said: "We have been begging for a public inquiry for 15 years, but all the government has been doing is stalling, stalling.
"It was the government which put us in these places and when you have been fighting for this as long as I have, you can get a bit cynical. Don't get me wrong. I would love to see a public inquiry, but we are still waiting."
Doherty, who was abused in Larchgrove in the 1950s, added: "Everything has been covered up by the establishment – these paedophile rings came from the top of the tree."
Graeme Pearson, the Labour justice spokesman who has been campaigning for an inquiry, said: "I think the pressure has become so significant and events elsewhere in the UK means that this needs to be done to clear the air. I just don't know why the government has been dallying so long."
Russell's statement on Tuesday will focus on child sexual exploitation. The statement follows a warning from Annette Bruton, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, that it would be a "serious mistake" to assume that Scotland is immune from the exploitation seen in Rotherham.
The Telegraph, November 11th, 2014
David Barrett, 'How the child sex abuse review searched for key names; Pages buried at the back of the Home Office inquiry into handling of child sex abuse allegations reveal how it looked for references to a series of political figures'
Home Office staff were instructed to search their databases for information about paedophile allegations as part of the review by Peter Wanless.
Civil servants were handed a list of search terms including "homosexual", "under age" and "indecent".
But they were also given a list of key names who were either major political figures of the day or who have since been linked with sex crime allegations.
Top of the list was Cyril Smith, the Rochdale Liberal MP since exposed as a paedophile.
His name was followed by Leon Brittan, the home secretary of the day, now Lord Brittan of Spennithorne.
Also on the list of names to be searched for was Greville Janner, now Lord Janner, whose home was searched by police last year in connection with an investigation into historic child sex abuse allegations.
It also included Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, the late solicitor general for Scotland who a woman claimed earlier this year raped her when she was four years old.
David Atkinson, the late Tory MP, was also on the list of terms.
His son Anthony said earlier this year that he believed his father was a "prolific sexual predator" whose name may have featured in the dossier compiled by Geoffrey Dickens MP, whose work helped to trigger the current investigations even though he died in 1995.
The review by Peter Wanless, head of the NSPCC, and Richard Whittam QC also requested searches for names of a number of members of the highly controversial Paedophile Information Exchange group, including its former chairman Steven Adrian Smith .
The Herald, November 15th, 2014
Ellen Thomas, 'Historic abuse probe: Police investigate possible murder'
Detectives examining allegations of historic sex abuse with links to government have launched a new investigation into "possible homicide".
Scotland Yard said Operation Midland was started after officers working on Operation Fairbank, which is looking into claims of "serious non-recent sexual abuse", were given information about alleged murders.
A spokesman said: "Our inquiries into this, over subsequent weeks, have revealed further information regarding possible homicide. Based on our current knowledge, this is the first time that this specific information has been passed to the Met."
The BBC quoted a man who, it claimed, has told police investigating the alleged abuse that "former senior military and political figures", as well as "law enforcement", were involved.
According to the broadcaster, the witness, now in his 40s, claimed the group had access to 15 to 20 youngsters.
The man, speaking anonymously, said: "It started with my father. It started with quite severe physical abuse, quickly turning into sexual as well.
"Within a very short space of time he had handed me over, or whatever you want to call it, to the group. They controlled my life for the next nine years.
"They created fear that penetrated every part of me. That was part of my life, day in and day out. You didn't question what they wanted, you didn't hesitate to do what they asked you to do.
"You did what you were told without question or the punishments were very severe. They had no hesitation in doing what they wanted to do.
"Some of them were quite open about who they were. They had no fear at all of being caught, it didn't even cross their mind. They could do anything they wanted without question and we were told that.
"I've never experienced pain like it and I hope I never do again."
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said that because the inquiry was at an early stage it would not appropriate to issue appeals or reveal more information.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police child abuse investigation command are working closely with colleagues in homicide and major crime units under the name of Operation Midland.
Operation Fairbank was launched in response to information passed on by MP Tom Watson, who used Prime Minister's Questions in 2012 to air claims that there was a paedophile ring with links to No 10.
Mr Watson used parliamentary privilege to allege that a file of evidence used to convict Peter Righton of importing child pornography in 1992 contained "clear intelligence" of a sex-abuse gang.
He wrote to Scotland Yard, which has since spawned two more inquiries from Fairbank – Fernbridge, which is looking at claims linked to the Elm Guest House in Barnes, south west London, in the 1980s, and Cayacos.
Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, the controversial former Solicitor General for Scotland, has been linked to the scandal after claims emerged that the former Tory MP, who died in 1995 aged 61, may have visited the guest house.
In August, Scotland Yard said it had tripled the number of officers investigating the allegations of sex abuse in the wake of the claims of a Westminster cover-up.
The anonymous witness quoted by the BBC urged people to come forward with information.
He said: "Anyone who knew anything, it's important they come forward too. They need to find the strength that we as survivors have done.
"If they have any suspicions, if they have any concerns, if they know they were part of it, they need to come forward and share what they know."
GRAPHIC: Tom Watson: Parliamentary privilege allowed him to air claims.
Scotsman, November 17th, 2014
Claire Mckim, '13 cases of child sex abuse every day in Scotland'
Child protection officers in Scotland are being presented with up to 13 new child sex abuse cases every day, it has emerged.
New figures reveal that between 2011 and September this year, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre passed on 10,434 cases of child sexual exploitation to police officers in Scotland to investigate.
At its peak during 2013, evidence of sex crime, including online abuse, was being handed to police in Scotland at a rate of 13 cases a day.
The statistics have been labelled "grave" and "extremely worrying" by experts.
The revelations come just days after education minister Mike Russell MSP announced taxi drivers, hotel staff and other night workers are to be issued with guidance on how to spot child sex abuse.
The Scottish Government is preparing to launch a public inquiry following the publication of a report by the charity Children in Scotland, which warned the country lacks a "confident and competent workforce for protecting children".
Figures uncovered through a Westminster parliamentary question revealed that, during 2011, more than 1,100 leads were passed to UK police forces, which increased to 1,927 in 2012.
In 2013, that soared to 4,875. There have been 2,519 cases in the first nine months of 2014.
Lucy Morton, manager of the NSPCC's Glasgow service centre, said: "The large number of children at risk of sexual exploitation is a matter of grave concern.
"Children who are abused or sexually exploited need to be listened to, believed and supported."
Last month, Police Scotland announced the setting up of a National Child Abuse Investigation Unit to improve specialist intelligence-gathering and co-ordinate investigations.
Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, warned that the volume of work faced by the unit may have a negative impact on frontline policing.
He said: "Resources have to come from somewhere and if that's going to have to come from 24/7 response police, it is a concern for all of us."
Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, head of public protection for Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, said: "The National Child Abuse Investigation Unit will deliver an enhanced specialist response that will support our 14 local policing divisions."
In Scotland, allegations of historical abuse have been made by former care home residents from Nazareth House in Aberdeen, Roman Catholic Fort Augustus School on the banks of Loch Ness and Larchgrove boys home in Glasgow.
A 2007 report, by Tom Shaw, a former chief inspector of education and training in Northern Ireland, estimated around 1,000 children were abused in Scots care homes from 1950 to 1995.
The inquiry is also expected to examine allegations involving the late Conservative MP, Nicholas Fairbairn.
Scottish Express, November 17th, 2014
Siobhan McFadyen, 'Police flooded by child sex abuse allegations'
AS MANY as 400 child sex abuse cases are reported to Police Scotland each month, it was revealed yesterday.
Now campaigners are warning the number of children at risk is of "grave concern", as shock new figures reveal the true extent of sexual exploitation and internet sex crime involving minors.
Between 2011 and September 2014, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre con-firmed it reported 10,434 cases of suspected child sex abuse to authorities.
Investigation In 2012, the number of individual leads passed on to police was 1,927.
That had increased to 4,875 in the following year.
In the first nine months of 2014, 2519 cases were notified to each of Scotland's 14 local policing divisions.
Lucy Morton, manager of the NSPCC's Glasgow service centre, is worried about the rise in the amount of reported cases, insisting more has to be done to take children's complaints seriously.
She said: "The large number of children at risk of sexual exploitation is a matter of grave concern.
"Children who are abused or sexually exploited need to be listened to, believed and supported." The Scottish Government is getting ready to launch a far-reaching inquiry into sexual exploitation following a report published by the charity Children in Scotland.
It concluded that the country lacks a "confident and competent workforce for protecting children".
The investigation, which is yet to find a chairman, is expected to look into allegations of historical abuse at the former Roman Catholic Fort Augustus School on the banks of Loch Ness, Nazareth House in Aberdeen, and Larchgrove boys' home in Glasgow. The inquiry will also turn its attention to allegations involving the Conservative MP, and one time solicitor-general for Scotland, Nicholas Fairbairn, who died in 1995.
But there are fears not enough resources will be available to help police stem the problem.
Last month, Police Scotland announced it is setting up a National Child Abuse Investigation Unit to gather expert intelligence.
But Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, warned the sheer numbers facing the special task force could have a serious impact on frontline services.
He said: "Resources have to come from somewhere and if that's going to have to come from 24/7 response police, it is a concern for all of us."
However, Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal, public protection lead for Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, insisted the new unit will protect vulnerable youngsters.
Priority "The National Child Abuse Investigation Unit (NCAIU) will deliver an enhanced specialist response that will support our 14 local policing divisions and interagency child protection structures by providing dedicated specialist investigative resources who will lead and/or provide assistance during child abuse investigations.
"Protecting children is a priority and the NCAIU will play a critical role in helping us achieve that," she said.
Scottish Daily Mail, November 20th, 2014
Graham Grant, 'POLICE PROBE 'MAGIC CIRCLE' CHILD SEX RING; Second victim comes forward as 10 officers investigate paedophile abuse allegations involving Scottish MP and leading legal figures Police to quiz three more in Fairbairn abuse claims'
POLICE are investigating claims of a paedophile ring that included a former senior ally of Margaret Thatcher, after a second victim came forward with fresh allegations.
As the Scottish Daily Mail revealed earlier this year, Susie Henderson claims she was raped by the late Tory MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, an ex-Solicitor General, when she was just four.
Miss Henderson is the daughter of Fairbairn's friend Robert Henderson, QC, who she says also systematically abused her when she was a child.
As a result of our disclosures, a major Police Scotland investigation comprising a team of ten detectives has been set up, and the Mail has learned a second victim has come forward following Miss Henderson's revelations.
It is also understood that detectives are considering serious allegations made against three living prominent lawyers as part of the inquiry.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Henderson was a pivotal figure in a major legal scandal when he claimed a so-called 'magic One circle' of judges, sheriffs and advocates were conspiring to ensure that homosexual criminals were given soft-touch treatment by the courts.
The latest disclosures come as the UK Government prepares to launch a public inquiry into historic child sexual abuse, heaping pressure on the Scottish Government to follow suit.
A source close to the probe said yesterday: 'We're talking about events mainly spanning a period from 44 to about 35 years ago.
'There is not going to be any forensic evidence, and any other evidence that supports the allegations is going to be difficult to attribute to any individual.
'That doesn't mean that what is discovered might not form an important part of an inquiry and influence legislation in the future. The information will not be gathered only to be discarded.' It is understood that Miss Henderson has identified at least three prominent Establishment figures who are still alive as being among her abusers. Detectives are gathering as much information as possible so the allegations can be put to them.
Following our revelations in August, Miss Henderson spoke to detectives and made a detailed statement about her childhood abuse.
The Mail has learned that a second victim made contact with the team a few weeks ago and has made a statement, understood to relate principally to Henderson. These allegations are also now under close scrutiny.
Last night Miss Henderson, who waived her anonymity to speak exclusively to the Mail, said that she would not be commenting upon any developments at this stage.
Police Scotland has not to date invited other victims to come forward, nor set up a dedicated contact point for anyone with relevant information. Anyone wishing to contact detectives is advised to call Police Scotland's non-emergency 101 number.
The experience of police forces in England which dealt with the paedophilia allegations made against Jimmy Savile has influenced Police Scotland's procedure.
A well-placed source confirmed that the Savile experience had highlighted the fact that even when a suspect was dead, it had been shown to be important to be receptive to the stories of other victims, should they emerge, and to investigate thoroughly any living accomplices.
It remains to be seen if any prosecutions will be launched in Scotland in relation to the Fairbairn and Henderson claims, but investigators are realistic about the difficulties they face.
Miss Henderson, 49, told the Mail she had been four when she was first raped by her father and by Fairbairn, and that her father had allowed Fairbairn to abuse his daughter and had been present at times when he sexually assaulted her.
She also recalled that her father, a former Tory parliamentary candidate as well as Scotland's most flamboyant QC in the 1980s, had taken her to the homes of other friends and Establishment figures and had allowed them to sexually abuse her.
Fairbairn died in 1995 at the age of 61, while Henderson, who was never charged, died aged 75 in 2012.
Miss Henderson first made her allegations against Fairbairn and her father under the alias of Julie X in 2000 but after an abortive police investigation no charges were brought. The initial probe was halted after evidence was mislaid.
Fairbairn was Solicitor General for Scotland and MP for Kinross and Western Perthshire. He was praised by Mrs Thatcher for his 'loyal support' and became a close ally.
The allegations come after an official inquiry was ordered into claims of historic child sex abuse by a Westminster paedophile ring.
Miss Henderson's allegations are likely to fuel calls for a similar inquiry by the Scottish Government, which has not been ruled out by ministers.
Last night Police Scotland confirmed that a 'live investigation is ongoing' but said 'it would be inappropriate to comment further.' A spokesman said: 'Anyone with information on child sexual abuse is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101.'
A SCHOOLBOY murdered 33 years ago may have been abducted by a VIP paedophile ring which was covered up by police, his father claimed yesterday.
Retired magistrate Vishambar Mehrotra accused Scotland Yard of failing to investigate after a male prostitute told him his son Vishal, 8, had been taken to the notorious Elm Guest House which has been linked to child abuse.
Vishal vanished on his way home to Putney, South-West London, after a trip to watch the royal wedding celebrations in 1981. It was almost a year before his remains were found in a West Sussex woodland. Four months later, police raided Elm Guest House in Barnes. Mr Mehrotra, 69, told the Daily Telegraph how soon afterwards he was contacted by a young male prostitute.
Mr Mehrotra said: 'He told me he believed Vishal may have been taken by paedophiles in the Elm Guest House. He talked about judges and politicians who were abusing little boys.
'I recorded the whole 15-minute conversation and took it to police. But they just pooh-poohed it.'