CLEM ROBB FROM SORN RELEASED AFTER ABUSING BOYS ON THE CLYDE

In April 1998, a wave of outrage and concern swept through the small village of Sorn in Ayrshire following the release of a convicted sex offender, Clem Robb. Robb, a former Church of Scotland minister and chaplain aboard the Waverley paddle steamer, was released from Barlinnie prison at approximately 6 a.m. that morning. His release came just hours before he was relocated to a residence on Anderson Crescent, a street in Sorn where he had previously lived, sparking immediate alarm among local residents.

Within moments of his arrival, Robb was recognized by several villagers, many of whom expressed their outrage and fear. A local woman voiced her strong disapproval, stating, “It is a scandal that a man who ruined the lives of innocent young boys is allowed back. Word is spreading round the village like wildfire. We want him out before he has the opportunity to attack another child.” Her words reflected the deep concern shared by many in the community, emphasizing the urgent need for authorities to act swiftly to prevent any potential harm.

Further intensifying the community’s fears, a police spokesperson confirmed that Robb had indeed been released but declined to provide additional details about his current whereabouts or the measures being taken. However, an anonymous source close to the situation revealed that plans were already underway to relocate Robb to another area as soon as possible, in an effort to prevent any disturbances or backlash from the local residents.

Robb’s criminal history is extensive and deeply troubling. In 1994, he was convicted in the High Court in Glasgow and sentenced to seven years in prison for abusing seven boys aged between 10 and 17, over a period from 1981 to 1984. His methods of luring young boys involved filling his homes in Pollokshields, Glasgow, and Tarbert, Loch Fyne, with model planes, ships, and train sets. These items served as bait to attract vulnerable children. Once he gained their trust, Robb would ply them with alcohol, engage in sexual acts with multiple boys simultaneously, and force them to pose for explicit photographs.

Following his incarceration, Robb provided police with information implicating another individual, Waverley skipper David Neill of Darvel, Ayrshire, who was subsequently sentenced to three years and twelve months in prison for abusing young boys aboard the Clyde paddle steamer. Neill’s conviction added to the notoriety surrounding the case, highlighting the disturbing pattern of abuse linked to the vessel and its crew during that period.

As the community grapples with the unsettling reality of Robb’s release, many residents are calling for swift action to ensure the safety of children in the area. The situation remains tense, with authorities under pressure to implement measures that will prevent any further harm and to reassure the public that their safety is a top priority.