Glasgow daughters of Fornethy House victim vow to keep her memory alive

The daughters of a Glasgow woman who was physically abused at a residential school in Angus are backing a campaign asking for a face-to-face apology from the council.

Jean Chapman died earlier this year after being forced to eat her own vomit by teachers at Fornethy House in the 1970s.

"I struggled seeing her cry "

Stephanie Gunning told Clyde 1: "My mum didn't speak about her past very often, but when she did she would cry and it was horrible.

"I struggled seeing her cry about stuff from so long ago when I couldn't do anything to help her.

"She had a hard life and we couldn't believe the abuse and trauma she went through at the school when she was just 9 years old."

Jean was one of hundreds of girls sent to the short stay school between the 1960s and 1990s.

"We've taken comfort from meeting the other women"

She and her three sisters were force fed rotten food by teachers and made to walk up to ten miles in the cold weather.

Stephanie and Gemma are backing a campaign urging other victims to come forward and demand a face-to-face apology from Glasgow City Council.

Gemma added: "We've taken comfort from meeting the other women and hearing their stories.

"My mum would've loved to have been a part of all of this, but I think she would be proud to see us fighting for justice."

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said:

“We have never denied the council’s role in helping to find a resolution.

“We understand that this process is upsetting for everyone involved and we will continue to work with all partners and our claims department continue to deal with claims.

“Council Leader, Susan Aitken issued a public apology to all those who experienced abuse at Fornethy House at the most recent full council meeting earlier this month.”

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.