Thomas Hamilton

Hamilton entered Dunblane Primary School carrying firearms and killed sixteen children and their teacher, Gwen Mayor, while injuring fifteen other people, before dying by suicide at the scene.

Attribution

Personally implicated

For years, parents and local authorities raised concerns about Hamilton's clubs: boys wearing very short shorts supplied by him, photography and filming, closed-door sessions and sometimes inadequate supervision.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Hamilton had lawfully possessed firearms since 1977, and his certificate was renewed again in February 1995. Yet an investigator had formally questioned his fitness to possess firearms as early as 1991. Lord Cullen criticised systemic weaknesses and the failure to properly incorporate some information.

State of the evidence

Documented

After reviewing a video of gymnastics activities organised by Hamilton, local officials concluded that certain exercises were inappropriate and sometimes dangerous. The regional council decided to stop renting premises to him.

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

Following complaints about assaults and filming boys at Mullarochy Bay camp, Detective Paul Hughes investigated and submitted a substantial report to prosecutors containing ten drafted charges against Hamilton.

Attribution

Personally implicated

A camp organised by Hamilton on Inchmoan Island raised concerns over safety, inadequate supervision and allegations that he had slapped boys. Police examined the situation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Thomas Hamilton's appointment as a scout leader was withdrawn in 1974. The Cullen report noted that the incident fuelled lasting resentment towards the Scout movement, which he subsequently accused of obstructing his boys' club activities.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility