Scottish government needs to act faster on grooming gang inquiry, says survivor

A survivor of grooming gang abuse has accused the Scottish government of taking too long to deliver the public inquiry it promised "at pace" almost nine months ago. Holly Alex, 36, went into care at the age of 14 after her stepfather went to prison and her relationship with her mother broke down. Holly's social care records, seen by BBC Scotland News, show that staff recorded concerns that she was being "groomed" for sex by "adult Asian men" as a teenager.

They also indicate social workers and police knew of the risks she faced. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said safeguarding children was the government's priority, and the planned statutory inquiry was a core part of this work. Police Scotland has confirmed it was made aware of some reports made by Holly during this time period and an investigation is ongoing.

Holly's care records contain repeated references to her going missing from her accommodation before returning intoxicated, with unexplained sums of money.