GAVIN MCNEISH CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN IN EDINBURGH AND PEEBLES - NO JAIL BUT ORDERED TO PAY AND DO COMMUNITY SERVICE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Edinburgh and Peebles, Gavin McNeish, a 58-year-old steward at Edinburgh Castle, was found to have downloaded a significant number of illegal images depicting children. The investigation revealed that McNeish had accumulated a total of 1,200 such images on his personal computer, which he used at his residence in Peebles, specifically at Violet Bank. The images were downloaded over a period spanning from September 2009 to July 2012, during which time he was living in Peebles.

Most of these images, precisely 1,189, were classified at the lowest level of severity by the courts. They depicted young females aged between 10 and 14 years, either naked or partially clothed. These images, while disturbing, did not involve the more heinous acts of sadism or bestiality. However, the remaining 11 images fell into higher categories that included such extreme content, raising serious concerns about the nature of his offenses.

McNeish was brought before Selkirk Sheriff Court, where he admitted to the charges. The court was informed that he had downloaded these images between September 2009 and July 2012, while residing at Violet Bank. Following his admission, Sheriff Kevin Drummond decided to delay sentencing to await further reports but made it clear that McNeish would be subject to certain legal obligations. He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of three years and was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service as part of his penalty.

During the proceedings, McNeish’s legal representative explained that his client was a first-time offender who had spent excessive time browsing adult content online. The lawyer stated, “He admits he was on the internet far too much viewing pornographic sites and these pop-ups appeared. He stupidly embarked on this further and the images were downloaded. There is no question of distribution to others.” The lawyer further emphasized that McNeish believed his online activity was detached from real-world harm but now recognizes that each image represented actual abuse.

It was also revealed that McNeish’s personal life had been significantly affected by his actions. His marriage, which lasted 29 years, had collapsed, and he had resigned from his job at Edinburgh Castle, which paid approximately £1,100 per month. He now resides on Bryson Road in Edinburgh, having left his previous employment and home in Peebles. The case has drawn attention to the serious issue of online child exploitation and the importance of monitoring internet activity, even among individuals in seemingly ordinary roles such as a castle steward.