I am the child of a man who suffered unspeakable abuse at Smyllum Orphanage. My father lived there from the age of six months until he was fifteen, enduring systematic and life-altering abuse by several individuals, including the caretaker Charlie Forsyth. Today, a street just outside the former Smyllum building bears this man's name - Forsyth Court. This is not just an insult to survivors like my father but also a constant reminder of their daily trauma.

The Independent Inquiry into Scottish Child Abuse has shown that such abuses have long-lasting impacts on survivors' mental health, with many experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions ("Impact of CSA," IICSA Report). It is therefore crucial that we take steps to ensure our public spaces do not serve as triggers for these individuals.

Renaming Forsyth Court would be a small step towards acknowledging the pain inflicted upon children at Smyllum Orphanage and demonstrating our commitment to supporting survivors rather than glorifying their abusers. Please sign this petition to demand local authorities rename Forsyth Court immediately.