Torquil Johnson-Ferguson

Torquil Johnson-Ferguson, a 65-year-old businessman from Canonbie in Dumfries and Galloway, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following his conviction for sexually abusing three boys aged 13 or under at the Rua Fiola activity centre on an island in the Firth of Lorn.

The offences occurred between 1981 and 1986 during week-long summer courses at the centre, which Johnson-Ferguson owned and operated until recently. The courses, targeted at boys aged nine to 14 from private schools across the UK, included activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and survival skills. Prosecutors established that on three separate occasions during these courses, Johnson-Ferguson carried out lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices and behaviour towards the young participants, exploiting his position of trust.

Johnson-Ferguson was convicted on three charges at Oban Sheriff Court. In addition to the custodial sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. The Crown Office confirmed the details of the hearing's outcome, highlighting the gravity of the historical sexual offences.

Speaking after the sentencing, Procurator Fiscal Fraser Gibson stated: 'Torquil Johnson-Ferguson was in a position of trust and abused that to prey on vulnerable young boys. For nearly 30 years he may well have thought that he had escaped justice but he was wrong and is now paying the consequences for his actions.' The case underscores the ongoing pursuit of justice for historical sexual crimes committed against children.