The Sunday Post view: Testimony that must be heard, hard lessons that must be learnt

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has already heard a plethora of harrowing evidence.

Events at Edinburgh Academy will soon be put under the microscope, as inquiry chair Lady Smith continues to examine residential care provisions at some of the nation’s top boarding schools.

Hearing the evidence is difficult – providing it must represent a challenge on a scale unimaginable to most.

BBC presenter Nicky Campbell has said he was abused while at the school and the inquiry team has urged others to get in touch.

One individual determined to have his story told is Grahame Buck.

He has bravely waived his anonymity to tell us of his appalling experiences at Edinburgh Academy.

Edinburgh Academy abuse victim waives anonymity to detail violence he suffered at hands of sadistic teacher

Severe beatings appear to have been commonplace.

Such appalling abuse would almost certainly have remained hidden were it not for the fearless actions of survivors like Mr Buck.

The teachers responsible relied upon the immaturity of their victims – their utter confusion and potential but unfounded shame were just further weapons in the tormentors’ fearsome armoury.

Going off to boarding school was a terrifying enough experience for many young people. Not knowing what to expect, some may even have accepted such cruel and debasing treatment as some twisted version of normality.

As victims speak out, they lend legitimacy to fellow sufferers.

Being on the wrong end of abuse can be a hugely isolating experience.

There is, after all, a palpable sense of safety in numbers – a comfort in realising experiences are shared.

Recently there were reports the inquiry has so far cost taxpayers in excess of £60 million.

It has been expensive and has already run for several years – but what price justice?

The inquiry has done much to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care.

Practices at dozens of institutions have already been scrutinised and, not surprisingly, more people are coming forward all the time.

When the vile behaviour of Jimmy Savile was exposed it prompted an avalanche of testimony.

Crimes, buried for decades, were suddenly revealed for the first time.

That is not just cathartic, it is a necessary step in righting historic wrongs – and learning lessons for the future.

Never again can tormentors be allowed to hide in plain sight.

Compensation is doubtless welcome, essential even. What it will not do and can never do is give the victims their childhoods back.

Regardless, one of the inquiry’s most important duties is to ensure those most impacted at last have their voices heard.

They deserve no less.