Celtic Boys Club Abuse Settlement Exceeds £1 Million Scotland

A landmark group legal action involving 28 former Celtic Boys Club players alleging historic sexual abuse has concluded with settlements totaling over £1 million, shared by 24 survivors, while three cases continue individually. The abuse was committed by convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney at the Boys Club, which operated separately but was historically connected to Celtic Football Club. This case was the first personal injury action in Scotland to use group proceedings rules similar to class actions in the U.S., allowing survivors to seek individual compensation while addressing common liability collectively. The court recognized varying psychological impacts on survivors, and tailored compensation was based on psychological evaluations. Thompsons Solicitors described the case as a significant legal precedent in Scotland, demonstrating that justice can be pursued collectively without diminishing individual rights. However, nine other cases relating to abuse at Celtic remain ongoing against the club.