FORMER children's homes in the Scottish Borders will come under the microscope next week as part of an ongoing nationwide abuse inquiry.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry began last year in an effort to uncover the extent of abuse suffered by children in care.

Under the guidance of Judge Lady Smith the inquiry has been hearing evidence from former children and staff at homes, secure units, boarding schools, healthcare establishments and foster care centres, as well as from the organisations which run them.

More than 60 institutions, including several top private schools and church bodies, are being investigated.

And from next week the spotlight will fall on residential child care establishments run by large care providers Quarriers, Aberlour and Barnardo’s.

Among the seven Barnardo's homes being investigated are two in the Borders - Craigerne in Peebles and Balcary in Hawick.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry said: “The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry wants to ensure that all available evidence is gathered.

“Investigations are on-going, with evidence being taken from survivors and other witnesses who can provide valuable information, as well as gathering a wide range of documentary evidence.

“Evidence given at hearings will supplement written statements taken from witnesses in advance and documents which have been recovered by the Inquiry team during the course of investigations.”

Barnardo's opened Craigerne in Peebles in 1956 as a residential school for up to 25 boys with 'emotional difficulties'.

It was refurbished in 1982 with improved classrooms, better toilets and a new gymnasium and workshop.

But it closed seven years later.

Balcary was initially opened by Barnardo's in 1944 as a wartime evacuation centre to house girls from Kent.

The Hawick property was then used as a holiday home for Barnardo's children until its closure in 1974.

Phase 3 of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry Hearings begins on Tuesday, October 23.

Up until the end of January, evidence will be heard from a number of individuals who were resident, as well as other witnesses, at the child care establishments.

The hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Rosebery House in Edinburgh.