THE COST of Scotland's child abuse inquiry is approaching £8 million, it has been revealed, after it concluded the first phase of public hearings.
The final total is expected to be as much as ten times that, by the time the inquiry concludes.
The rolling cost is up by £2,110,588 on the previous quarter to £7,835,056 according to the figures, which cover spending until the end of June.
The Inquiry began its work in late 2015 but had a troubled arrival, with the resignation of a panel member, followed by the departure of its former chair after an acrimonious row with education secretary John Swinney. It has stabilised under her successor Lady Smith, who appears to have won back the confidence of child abuse survivors.
Ministers have asked the inquiry to report back within four years.
So far only preliminary evidence sessions have taken place, exploring the history of residential care in Scotland, and the role of some faith groups and charities who have been given a chance to recognise if abuse took place on their watch.
A further phase of hearings in the autumn will see the first public evidence from people who claim to have been abused in the course of growing up in residential care.
A spokesperson for the inquiry said the the establishment of public hearings had involved essential investment including costs relating to the venue in Edinburgh.
However Alan Draper, of abuse survivors charity Incas said many victims had concerns that inquiry costs appear to be uncapped while Mr Swinney has yet to agree any scheme for compensating those who have been abused.
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