RYAN MCINALLY FROM MONIKIE INVOLVED IN SCANDAL AT EARLSTON HIGH SCHOOL IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Ryan McInally, a 30-year-old teacher from Monikie, has been embroiled in a serious scandal involving a sexual relationship with a minor at Earlston High School, located in the Scottish Borders. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from late December 2013 to mid-January 2014, has led to significant legal and professional repercussions for McInally.

McInally, who specialized in modern studies, was found to have engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 16-year-old girl at his residence while his fiancée was working the night shift. The relationship was uncovered after rumors began circulating among students and staff, prompting the school to contact law enforcement authorities. The police investigation confirmed the allegations, leading to McInally’s conviction and subsequent placement on the Sex Offenders Register in September of the previous year.

According to court records, McInally was convicted at Selkirk Sheriff Court on September 28, 2015, of engaging in sexual activity with a pupil under the age of 18. The court documents reveal that between December 22, 2013, and January 16, 2014, McInally repeatedly kissed the girl and had sexual intercourse with her. The offences were committed contrary to Section 42 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. As part of his sentence, he received a Community Payback Order for three years, which included 200 hours of unpaid community work and a three-year supervision period. His name was also entered into the Sex Offenders Register for the same duration.

Details of the case indicate that the relationship began after McInally gave the girl a Christmas card containing his personal email address, purportedly to assist her with her studies. He also sent her two quotations from her favorite book, 'The Great Gatsby,' one of which contained suggestive connotations. The girl initiated contact via email, leading to a meeting in the countryside where they shared a kiss. Their meetings continued during the Christmas holidays, culminating in her staying overnight at his home on New Year’s Eve.

During the court proceedings, McInally’s defense lawyer, Robert More, stated that the teacher was suspended from Earlston High School when the allegations surfaced and that he had since returned to the Dundee area with his fiancée, who remains supportive of him. The court was informed that McInally’s actions were known to some pupils, especially after he was seen driving the girl home in his car, which fueled rumors within the school community.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser outlined that McInally and the girl had met and kissed in the countryside just before Christmas, with their relationship continuing through the holiday period. The girl’s admission of a sexual relationship, supported by a medical examination confirming intercourse, led to McInally’s guilty plea. The school’s staff had initially spoken to McInally, who claimed he was simply running the girl home because she was unwell, asserting that any other teacher could have done the same. However, the school’s authorities contacted police after the girl confirmed the nature of their relationship.

As the case concluded, McInally’s sentencing was deferred until November 9 to allow for background reports. The incident has raised concerns about safeguarding and the responsibilities of educators in maintaining professional boundaries, especially in small communities like Monikie and Earlston.