ALAN RUSSELL CAUGHT IN EDINBURGH SCANDAL: TEACHER AND PUPIL BEHIND GARDENS AND TRAIN STATION
In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in Edinburgh, Alan Russell, a 37-year-old teacher, was caught engaging in inappropriate behavior with a 14-year-old girl.The incident began at Haymarket train station, where Russell was initially spotted by staff members kissing the young girl, who was dressed in her school uniform.
Despite being cautioned by station personnel, Russell did not cease his actions and proceeded to board a train with the girl.
Less than an hour after the initial sighting, the teacher and the girl were seen together again, this time behind a tool shed in Edinburgh's renowned Princes Street Gardens.
Gardener Kenny Miller, aged 44, was the one who discovered them in this compromising situation.
Miller recounted, “I went to the hut at the back of the gardens and they were leaning against it.
He had her in his arms and they were kissing.
The age difference between them struck me immediately.” Miller, who resides in Edinburgh’s Northfield area, recognized Russell because he had previously been a guest at his wedding in 2002.
“He came to my wedding as a guest of my wife.
I would have recognized his long, curly hair anywhere.
I was horrified he could do something like this,” Miller added.
When Miller noticed the pair, the girl’s reaction was one of shock, her mouth falling open as she saw him.
Russell, in turn, turned his face away, attempting to hide his identity.
Following this discovery, Miller reported the incident to his line manager, who promptly contacted the police.
Officers from Lothian and Borders took the details and forwarded them to the British Transport Police (BTP), who were already investigating the earlier incident at Haymarket station.
Despite the mounting evidence, the Crown Office decided to drop the case, citing insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
In the aftermath of these events, Russell was dismissed from his position as a physics and PE teacher at the private St Serf’s School in Edinburgh.
The dismissal followed his sending of a red rose to the girl, accompanied by a note reading, “Sorry, I love you.” It was also revealed that Russell had used a mobile phone to contact the girl, programmed to play Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and display her photograph when called.
Currently, Russell has separated from his wife of ten years, Jacqui, aged 48, and is residing with a friend in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh.
He is now working as a barman.
It is believed that Russell, who has an 11-year-old son, began a relationship with the girl, now 15, at least 18 months prior to these incidents.
His misconduct was first uncovered in September of the previous year when a rose was sent to the girl at school, and the message was traced back to him.
Two weeks later, CCTV footage at Haymarket station captured Russell kissing the girl, leading to his arrest and charges of indecent behavior towards a minor.
However, the case was ultimately dropped after Russell denied any sexual relationship, claiming he was merely hugging her because she was upset.
Despite the dropped charges, Russell faced disciplinary action at St Serf’s School, where he was found guilty in a hearing held last March, resulting in his termination from the teaching position.
The entire case has cast a shadow over his reputation, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of young students in the community.
