JACK MACLEAN FROM BANNOCKBURN INVOLVED IN SCANDAL AT BLAIR ATHOLL SCOUTING EVENT

A volunteer at the prestigious international scouting gathering held in Perthshire has been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges involving a fellow adult supervisor. Jack MacLean, a 29-year-old resident of Bannockburn, was found guilty in Perth Sheriff Court after a trial that revealed disturbing misconduct during the 2024 Blair Atholl Jamborette, an event renowned for bringing together thousands of Scouts from across the globe.

MacLean’s actions included groping a woman at a local pub during the event, which took place in the scenic region of Perthshire. Following this incident, he displayed a brazen attitude by laughing directly in his victim’s face, an act that underscored the severity of his misconduct. The victim, feeling increasingly unsafe, discreetly texted a friend for help as MacLean later appeared uninvited at her tent. There, he continued his inappropriate behavior by stroking her leg, prompting her to seek immediate assistance.

Throughout the proceedings, MacLean maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing and claiming that both his victim and other volunteers were fabricating their accounts of the events. Despite his denials, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of two counts of sexual assault. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and the setting of the incident during a widely attended international event.

Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane addressed the court, describing the case as ‘bewildering’ due to the stark contrast between the defendant’s version of events and that of the complainant. She emphasized that MacLean’s account was markedly different from the testimony provided by the victim and five other witnesses who corroborated her story. The court’s decision to place MacLean on the sex offenders register reflects the seriousness with which the judicial system treats such violations, especially within the context of a community event that promotes youth development and international camaraderie.