A survivor of abuse connected to Celtic Boys Club has secured a payout from the club, bringing a deeply personal case to a close nearly four decades after the events first took place.
The case centres around former Boys Club coach Frank Cairney, who was jailed in 2019 after being convicted of multiple charges relating to the sexual abuse of boys. A later hearing also ruled that he indecently assaulted three boys between 1978 and 1989.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took legal action over claims he was abused in 1989. Celtic initially denied liability, but after the case progressed to a court action last month, the club agreed to an out of court settlement.
For the survivor, the outcome represents more than just a financial figure. It marks the end of a long and difficult journey that has spanned most of his life.
“When people think of abuse they often think of one act that happened one time, or that it happened so long ago you should just be able to move past it but it simply isn’t like getting injured you can’t just limp on until you get better.
“Abusive acts may be physical but the impact, for me, is nearly all mental and the worst of it is a paralysing feeling of shame and it’s something I’ve been dealing with for nearly 40 years.
“It is a strange, confusing and angering feeling you know what happened wasn’t your fault yet at the same time you feel responsible for it then you get angry at yourself for letting yourself get affected by it.
“In terms of the settlement I feel like I’ve finally been heard because shortly after the attacks I spoke to multiple authority figures yet no one listened or took meaningful action.
“It’s been tough to get here but I’m proud of myself for not giving up and I’d really encourage others to not give up on their own hopes for justice either.
“No matter how many people tell you ‘No’ just keep going until you find good people who instead say ‘No problem’.”
His legal representative also reflected on the significance of the case, highlighting both the achievement and the difficult reality behind it.
“Successful legal victories can be a double-edged sword because while we are proud of our client and what we have achieved together, there’s always a mindfulness about why we are in this fight in the first place.
“I am incredibly proud of my client for everything he has done he is a great example of what perseverance can achieve and I hope this outcome allows him to look to the future in a more positive way.”
While the settlement brings a level of closure, it also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact such experiences can have, even many years later.