BRUCE LOVE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN BONNYRIGG AND MIDLOTHIAN REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bonnyrigg and the wider Midlothian area, Bruce Love, an 82-year-old former Scout leader, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed decades ago. The crimes, which took place during the 1960s and 1970s, involved Love abusing young boys under his care while orchestrating Scout activities that included dressing up as Native Americans.

Love’s misconduct was uncovered after a lengthy investigation and trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The court heard that Love, who was in charge of a Scout troop for approximately ten years, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse that included smearing red body paint over the boys’ genitals and other intimate areas. The abuse reportedly occurred at his former residence in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, where he would invite young boys to his home under the guise of preparing for Scout events.

During the trial, six male victims, now all in their 50s, provided harrowing testimonies describing how Love targeted them when they were around 11 or 12 years old. One victim recounted how Love lured him to his cottage in Bonnyrigg, where he was asked to undress and was subjected to inappropriate behavior, including being checked for ticklishness and being stripped naked before being placed over Love’s knee. Another victim described how Love exposed himself and performed an indecent act in front of him during a Scout camp near Moffat. A third man, who is related to Love, testified that the accused “cupped my genitals” while applying paint to his naked body.

Despite denying any wrongdoing, Love was found guilty of six charges of lewd and libidinous practices involving boys under his care. The court heard that Love would often invite the boys to his home, where he would have them stand naked in a bath while he applied red body paint, including smearing it between their buttocks and over their genitals. The victims explained that they felt uncomfortable but did not report the abuse at the time due to their young age and fear.

The court also learned that Love’s abuse extended beyond Bonnyrigg, with incidents reported at various locations including Moffat, Seil Island, and the Orkney Islands. The timeline of the offenses spanned from December 21, 1969, to January 18, 1978. Love’s actions included inducing the boys to remove their clothing, handling their genitals, and applying paint to their private parts during multiple incidents.

Following the verdict, Sheriff Robert Fife emphasized the gravity of Love’s breach of trust, describing his conduct as a “grave breach” that exploited his authority over the young boys. Sheriff Fife stated, “The evidence heard in court was that you were an authoritarian and you were strict and the boys did what they were told. You used that authority to isolate these boys and these boys were violated by you. My impression is that the six boys were chosen by you and abused by you.”

Love, who now resides in Eastleigh, Southampton, was sentenced to three years in prison and will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely. The court also ordered that he be subject to ongoing monitoring due to the severity of his crimes. During sentencing, Love continued to deny the allegations, claiming that the victims’ accounts were false and that the events did not happen as described. However, the jury’s unanimous verdict confirmed his guilt on all six charges.

This case has brought to light a dark chapter in the history of Scout activities in Midlothian, revealing how a trusted leader used his position to commit serious sexual offenses against vulnerable boys. The community and authorities hope that this conviction will serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.