Woman, 76, faces trial over school abuse claims

A 76-year-old woman is to stand trial accused of historical abuse of girls at a former residential school in Angus.

Patricia Robertson faces a total of 26 charges alleged to have happened at Fornethy House in Angus between 1967 and 1983.

The indictment lists a string of allegations of "cruel and unnatural" treatment of the girls including claims of physical violence.

The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow where Ms Robertson's legal team pleaded not guilty on her behalf.

It is alleged some of those involved were aged four or five at the time.

It is claimed Robertson was responsible for their "care and protection" at Fortnethy.

Among the girls listed, one is said to have been ridiculed as well as forced to stand in a confined and dark space for a "prolonged period".

Prosecutors claim another had a postcard written for her mum ripped up and then she was slapped on the face.

It is alleged one girl had derogatory remarks made to her, she had food forced into her mouth, had a shoe and blackboard duster hurled at her as well as being dragged by the hair.

Robertson is also alleged to have got other children to "sing a song with degrading lyrics" towards another of the youngsters.

It is claimed she refused to release a further girl from a locked box and shouted at her.

Robertson, now of Witham in Essex, allegedly caused "unnecessary suffering and injury" to children mentioned on the indictment.

She also faces separate accusations of assault.

Lord Colbeck fixed a trial which is scheduled to begin in September.