A regional daily’s editor has called for readers to back investigative journalism after his newspaper uncovered multiple claims of racism at Tony Blair’s old school.

The Edinburgh Evening News has published an investigation into alleged racial discrimination from teachers and students at Fettes College, where the former Primer Minister studied.

The investigation was carried out by EEN specialist writer Jamie McKenzie, who spoke to a number of former pupils about their own experiences at the private school.

The ex-pupils, who left the school as recently as 2015, opened up about the hosting of annual mock ‘slave auctions’ and discrimination from students and teachers which left them feeling “dehumanised”.

The probe provided a splash for the newspaper on Tuesday, pictured below.

Print editor Euan McGrory has now called for readers to support the EEN and “recognise the importance of this kind of journalism”.

Speaking to HTFP, he said: “This was an important story, thoroughly researched and brilliantly presented by our specialist writer Jamie McKenzie and our new print team.

“Fettes College is a major public institution, where the former Prime Minister Tony Blair was educated, and the testimony of former pupils about the treatment they received from other students and members of staff is eloquent and powerful.

“Without the considerable time and skill Jamie invested in this story their accounts – which raise important questions about attitudes towards race at the heart of the Scottish establishment – may never have been told.

“My biggest hope is that our reader recognise the importance of this kind of journalism, which we are investing in, and lend us their support to ensure we can continue to tell these vital stories.”

A Fettes College spokesperson told the EEN: “Racism in any form by staff or students is not tolerated at Fettes and it is distressing to read these accounts from former students.

“Inclusion is a core value of the school about which we will never be complacent. The work of the student-led Fettes Equality Society, combined with that of the staff-led Equality Group, aims to ensure that diversity and inclusion across race, sexuality, gender and disability in the school is understood and enacted by all in our community.

“They meet regularly to discuss all school policies, to educate and to organise training for both staff and students.

“We would encourage any former student to contact the college to discuss their concerns directly and openly, so we can learn from their experiences.”