RONALD MCKAY GILL SENTENCED IN BUCKIE FOR ABUSE IN ABERDEEN, CULLEN, AND SPAIN

Ronald McKay Gill, a 69-year-old resident of Buckie, has been sentenced to a three-year prison term following a conviction for engaging in lewd, indecent, and libidinous acts against two young girls who were under the age of 16 at the time of the offenses. The court proceedings, which concluded on May 27, 2024, resulted in a sheriff imposing the custodial sentence along with indefinite notification requirements, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Gill’s abusive actions spanned several locations, including Aberdeen, Cullen, and even abroad in Spain. The victims, now adults in their 30s and 40s, courageously provided testimony during the trial, detailing the extent of the abuse they endured and the profound, lasting impact it has had on their mental health. One of the victims shared her harrowing experience, revealing that she had attempted to take her own life three times and had inflicted self-harm as a consequence of her trauma. She described suffering from severe anxiety and depression since childhood, which worsened over the years.

She explained that her mental health struggles began at a young age and that, after reaching the age of 29, she decided to come forward with her story in hopes of seeking justice and raising awareness about sexual abuse. Her accounts detailed abuse that occurred between April 1986 and April 1990, with additional incidents taking place between February 1995 and February 2002. She recounted feelings of confusion, self-blame, and a distorted understanding of love, all of which she hopes her story will help others to overcome.

The second victim also testified about the profound difficulties she faced in understanding what love truly is after experiencing abuse. She emphasized that speaking out and being heard has provided her with a sense of liberation and hope for a brighter future, despite the ongoing psychological scars that continue to affect her. Her testimony highlighted the importance of justice and the healing power of sharing one's story.

Gill was taken into custody when he returned to the UK from Spain in 2021. He had moved to Spain in 1988 to work offshore in Libya, and it was during his return that authorities apprehended him. The court’s decision was heavily based on the compelling evidence presented by the victims, which painted a clear picture of his misconduct across multiple locations. The conviction underscores the importance of justice for survivors of abuse and the ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable, regardless of where their crimes took place.