In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Scottish Highlands and beyond, a prominent local doctor has been charged in connection with a series of online attacks against his son’s rape victim. The incident, which has unfolded over the past several years, highlights the ongoing struggle faced by survivors of sexual violence—and the challenges of balancing free speech, medical ethics, and the rights of victims in the digital age.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Dr Andrew McFarlane, a 61-year-old general practitioner from the Highlands, was taken into custody by Police Scotland. According to STV News and the Daily Record, the charge stems from a series of disparaging and allegedly abusive social media posts targeting Ellie Wilson, the woman his son was convicted of raping.
The story begins in July 2022, when Daniel McFarlane, then a 26-year-old medical student from Inverness, was found guilty by the High Court in Glasgow of raping Ellie Wilson. The court heard that the sexual attacks took place between December 2017 and February 2018, while both were students at the University of Glasgow. Daniel was ultimately convicted of two counts of rape and one count of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, receiving a five-year prison sentence.
Far from fading into anonymity, Ellie Wilson made the courageous decision to waive her right to anonymity as a rape survivor. Since then, she has become a vocal campaigner for justice reform and the rights of survivors of male sexual violence. Her advocacy, however, has not been without personal cost. As reported by the Daily Record, Ellie has faced intense scrutiny and backlash, including being labelled an "attention seeker" for her activism. Nevertheless, she has continued to speak out, determined to challenge the culture of victim-blaming that often surrounds such cases.
According to BBC reports cited by both STV News and the Daily Record, Dr Andrew McFarlane allegedly used social media platforms to call Ellie Wilson a "manipulative liar" and accused her of threatening, blackmailing, and abusing his son. He also reportedly claimed that Daniel was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. These comments, which surfaced earlier in 2025, led to Dr McFarlane being reported to the General Medical Council (GMC), the UK’s regulatory body for doctors.
In July 2025, following an interim orders tribunal, the GMC imposed special conditions on Dr McFarlane’s medical registration. These conditions require him to personally inform the GMC of any charges or changes to his job title or employer contact details. Despite these restrictions, he has continued to see patients. The GMC, for its part, has stated that it will pause any internal investigations if a doctor is arrested, as is now the case with Dr McFarlane.
Police Scotland confirmed that a 61-year-old man had been charged in connection with communication offences and is due to appear in court at a later date. The specifics of the charges have not been publicly detailed, but the case has already sparked debate about the responsibilities of medical professionals, the impact of online harassment on survivors, and the broader implications for justice and accountability.
Ellie Wilson’s ordeal did not end with the conviction of her attacker. Earlier this year, Daniel McFarlane sought early release from prison, applying for parole at the halfway point of his five-year sentence. On February 14, 2025—ironically, Valentine’s Day—the parole board refused his appeal, scheduling another review in a year’s time. Ellie, who had hoped to attend the hearing, was banned from doing so after objections from Daniel’s lawyers. She also appealed for the hearing to be moved to a less significant date, but her plea was rejected.
After the parole decision, Ellie took to social media to share her reaction. As she posted on X, "He is NOT being released. They will review him for parole again in a year. I'm relieved but feel broken. I was put through hell for no reason. The process has to change. But for now... time to relax." Her words resonated with many, highlighting not only her personal resilience but also the emotional toll that the justice system can exact on survivors.
In addition to her public advocacy, Ellie has taken formal steps to hold those involved in her case accountable. She filed a complaint against her rapist’s lawyer, Lorenzo Alonzi, which was upheld by the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission. Her efforts have drawn attention to the need for greater compassion and sensitivity in legal proceedings involving victims of sexual violence.
The case has also raised difficult questions about the role of family members and the line between personal loyalty and public responsibility. Dr Andrew McFarlane’s actions, while perhaps understandable from a father’s perspective, have been widely condemned as crossing ethical and legal boundaries. The GMC’s decision to impose conditions on his practice reflects the seriousness with which the medical profession views such conduct, especially when it undermines public trust and potentially retraumatizes victims.
For many observers, the saga underscores the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence—not only in seeking justice, but in navigating the social and institutional obstacles that can arise long after a conviction is secured. Ellie Wilson’s determination to speak out, despite being targeted by both her attacker’s family and segments of the public, has inspired others to demand change. As she told the Daily Record, survivors will continue to stand up to those who seek to blame victims and silence their voices.
As the legal process against Dr Andrew McFarlane moves forward, attention will no doubt remain focused on the broader issues at stake: the responsibilities of professionals in positions of trust, the power of social media to amplify both support and abuse, and the ongoing fight to ensure justice and dignity for survivors of sexual violence. The outcome of the court proceedings—and the response of the GMC—may well set important precedents for how such cases are handled in the future.
For now, Ellie Wilson’s story stands as a stark reminder of both the progress that has been made and the work that remains. Her resilience in the face of adversity, and her willingness to challenge the status quo, offer hope to others who may be struggling in silence.
