Scotland's most senior Catholic priest has welcomed a decision by Pope Francis to launch a fact finding mission into sexual misconduct allegations made against Cardinal Keith O'Brien.
The Bishop of Malta, Charles Scicluna has been appointed by the Congregation for Bishops as its special envoy to "listen and report" on the accusations, according to the Vatican.
Archbishop Leo Cushley has urged past and present clergy from the diocese of Edinburgh and St Andrews, who may have been affected by the allegations, to come forward and speak to Bishop Scicluna, who's expected in Scotland in the coming days.
Archbishop Cushley said: "I believe that this is a positive step towards truth and eventual reconciliation, this may not be an easy thing to do, but it is the right thing to do.
"I am reassured by this and will be pleased to support Bishop Scicluna in any way I can. In this sense I also hope that all those who wish to approach him will feel free to do so.
"It is important that such work be conducted in a way that protects those who wish to contribute to it."
However, Sue Cox from Survivors Voice, a support group for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church told Premier's Des Busteed why she thinks the latest development is pointless:
Last month three priests and one ex-priest whose allegations of sexual misconduct against Cardinal Keith O'Brien led to his resignation a year ago, directly appealed to Pope Francis for a meeting in a last-ditch bid for justice.
Responding to the appeal, a spokesman for Archbishop Cushley, said: "He has listened to the parties concerned and will transmit any information to the Holy See.
"Any decision on further action will rest with the Holy See as jurisdiction in the matter rests with the Pope."
Cardinal Keith O'Brien resigned as Archbishop in February 2013, after allegations that he had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with junior priests.
On March, 3rd 2013, O'Brien admitted that his sexual conduct had at times "fallen beneath the standards expected of him".
The Vatican announced on May, 15th 2013 that he had agreed to leave Scotland for several months of spiritual renewal, prayer and penance.