The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has announced it will begin hearing evidence into the abuse of children in foster care next spring.

It will hold public hearings which will include children who were boarded out, as well as children who were placed in foster care by Scottish local authorities.

The inquiry is urging anyone with relevant evidence to contact its witness support team as soon as possible.

Part one of the case study will feature evidence from relevant experts and regulatory bodies to provide context and scene setting.

The inquiry will then hear evidence from individuals who experienced abuse in foster care as well as a range of other witnesses.

Lady Smith, Chairwoman of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, said: “Many people have already come forward, but we would encourage anyone with relevant evidence to get in touch with the inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with more recent experience of foster care.”

It is expected the foster care case study will run for several months.

The inquiry, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17, 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse.