A 70-year-old man who concealed a previous conviction and later held a high-profile role in cultural circles has been jailed after more victims of historic abuse came forward in Paisley. Marc Sherland was sentenced at Paisley Sheriff Court after being found guilty in May of indecently assaulting three teenage boys at his home in Paisley between 1988 and 1990.
Convictions and sentence
Sherland was already known to criminal justice authorities. He had been convicted in 1991 of abusing two boys aged eight and 10 while employed as a council youth worker in Renfrew. Following that earlier conviction he changed his name and pursued a prominent role promoting Robert Burns and Scots language, eventually serving as president of the Robert Burns World Federation, a literary society with outreach work that includes children, before stepping down in December 2023.
At sentencing, Sheriff Gillian Craig imposed a custodial term of five years, to be followed by three years of supervision on release. In addition, she made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning Sherland from having contact with children for 20 years.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Conviction for abusing two boys (aged 8 and 10) while a Renfrew council youth worker |
| 1988–1990 | Indecent assaults at Paisley home (three teenage victims) |
| May 2026 | Found guilty of indecent assault on three teenagers |
| July 2026 | Sentenced to 5 years custody + 3 years supervision; 20-year SHPO |
Impact on survivors and local safeguarding concerns
The case has prompted alarm locally about potential shortcomings in safeguarding and vetting processes that, critics say, may have allowed Sherland to remain in positions where he had access to children. Reporting noted he had disguised his past by changing his name prior to assuming leadership roles within the cultural organisation.
- Victims: New survivors came forward leading to the recent prosecution and conviction.
- Organisational risk: Questions arise about background checks and oversight in voluntary and cultural bodies that work with young people.
- Legal measures: Custodial sentence, supervision on release and a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order were imposed.
"What happened to me is something I've been forced to live with, and battle with, my whole life. It has moulded everything about me from my attitude, personality and the way I'm able to interact with people and the world around me... it's only now he's convicted that I can feel that weight"
The account above, given by a survivor, underlines the long-term personal cost of historic abuse and the complex emotional aftermath for those affected. It also reinforces concerns about how historic offending can remain hidden and resurface many years later.
What this means for Paisley
Sentencing at Paisley Sheriff Court closes one chapter of a lengthy legal saga, but the broader questions about safeguarding remain. The Robert Burns World Federation has been referenced in reporting because of Sherland's later role there; the organisation undertakes outreach work that can involve young people. The revelations will likely prompt reviews of vetting procedures across charities, societies and voluntary groups locally and nationally that engage with children.
For Paisley residents, the case is a reminder of the duty on employers and voluntary organisations to maintain robust background checks and reporting mechanisms. It also highlights the importance of supporting survivors who disclose historic abuse, and the need for clear, effective safeguarding measures to prevent further harm.
The court orders applied in this case — custodial sentence, years of supervision and a lengthy ban on contact with children — reflect the seriousness with which the criminal justice system treated the convictions. Local authorities, community groups and cultural bodies in Renfrewshire and beyond will be watching closely to see whether additional inquiries or policy changes follow.
