The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has responded with deep concern to a new inspection report on care for young people at Skye House. The report, published by regulators, echoes serious issues previously raised in a BBC investigation about how children are treated, with some reporting feeling bullied by staff and highlighting gaps in how restraint is recorded and monitored. 

Commissioner Nicola Killean said the findings reinforce the urgent need for stronger human rights protections in child mental health settings, including better guidance, consistent reporting, and monitoring of physical interventions. She stressed that all children must be protected from harm, treated with dignity, and supported to achieve the best possible physical and mental health. 

The Commissioner’s office has been pushing the Scottish Government to implement rights-based standards and legal frameworks to safeguard children in care, especially around the use of restraint. Discussions with Scottish Government and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland are ongoing to ensure children’s rights are upheld. 

Read the Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s statement on the report on care at Skye House  

Read Health Care Improvement Scotland’s report relating to a joint unannounced visit and inspection to Skye House