Update – Police welcome guilty plea of former Fort Augustus Abbey school teacher to sexually abusing two pupils in the 1970s

Police said Denis Alexander's actions had caused "untold trauma" to his victims but praised their courage in coming forward.

Denis Alexander (85) pleaded guilty to historic sexual offences involving children when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

Detective Superintendent Vince McLaughlin, senior investigating officer for the investigation from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, said: "Denis Alexander took advantage of a position of authority and trust over the boys he abused in order to satisfy his own selfish and depraved interests over the course of many years.

"His deplorable behaviour has caused untold trauma for those affected and, while physical scars heal, the psychological effects are lasting and significant. It is important that lessons from the past are never forgotten to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are protected from abuse.

"It is testament to the courage of the men who came forward that Alexander has finally, after all this time, admitted his guilt and accepted responsibility for his actions.

"I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to everyone who came forward over the course of what was a complex and lengthy investigation involving Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which was followed by the legal process of extradition in order for Alexander to face justice here in Scotland.

"While today's outcome in court cannot change the past, hopefully it will go some way to support and reassure the victims.

"I would also thank and acknowledge work of the Police Scotland investigation team who relentlessly and diligently pursued justice for the former pupils of the school since the allegations first came to light.

"The conviction of Alexander also demonstrates clearly that time is ultimately no barrier to justice. We are aware there may be others out there who may have suffered abuse in the past but have not felt able to come forward and report this to police. I would urge you to do so.

"No matter how much time has passed, no matter who committed the abuse and no matter where it happened we will listen to you and thoroughly investigate to bring people like Alexander to justice."

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