Police Scotland has reopened an inquiry into sex assault claims against the late former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The investigation is examining reports of abuse at his Highland estate, Balnagown Castle, dating back more than 30 years.
A new witness has reportedly come forward this year, corroborating the account of a former Harrods worker who claimed she was subjected to an attempted rape at the estate in 1991. The woman, Sophia Stone, now 58, initially reported the incident to Police Scotland in 2021, but the force stated at the time that there was insufficient corroboration to proceed.
Stone, who worked at Harrods from the age of 19 and was promoted to Al Fayed's personal assistant, described the alleged assault in her room at Balnagown Castle. She stated that Al Fayed entered her room, removed his dressing gown, and forced himself upon her, attempting to remove her pyjama bottoms.
She has expressed a desire for accountability not only for Al Fayed, who died two years ago, but also for individuals who may have assisted in covering up or enabling his alleged abuses.
Two Members of Parliament from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Survivors of Fayed and Harrods also contacted Police Scotland in November, urging a renewed investigation. Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife and co-chair of the APPG, has been a vocal advocate for survivors, expressing hope that the reopened inquiry will provide the accountability demanded by those who have come forward.
Sophia Stone's husband, Keaton Stone, has been actively investigating Al Fayed's alleged crimes, leading to a significant number of other women coming forward. The Metropolitan Police are reportedly investigating over 150 allegations against the former Harrods boss. Keaton Stone has established the campaign group Justice For Fayed & Harrods Survivors, working alongside other survivor groups.
Police Scotland has confirmed that further investigation is ongoing but declined to comment further on the specifics of the case.