Bruce Buchanan sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction for sexual and violent offences

A 61-year-old man has been sentenced to an order of lifelong restriction for sexual and violent offences against women in the Inverness and the north Highland areas.

Bruce Buchanan was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in February, 2025. His offences include rapes, assault to severe injury and assaults. They took place between June 1986 and June 2017.

He was sentenced on Monday, 30 March, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh. He was made subject of an order of lifelong restriction. For this sentence, the minimum time Buchanan must serve in prison is five years. After that term, the parole authorities decide when, if ever, he should be released.

He has also been granted a non-harassment order in respect of his victims.

Buchanan was arrested on Thursday, 4 February, 2021 following an investigation by officers after his victims came forward.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “Buchanan is an abusive individual who showed no remorse for his violent and abusive behaviour against these women.

“I would like to commend the women for their strength in coming forward. Their information was essential in helping us build the case against Buchanan, and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.

“Police Scotland takes all reports of violence and sexual crime extremely seriously. We have specialist officers to listen and support those who have experienced this kind of crime.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to please come forward and make a report to us, no matter the passage of time.”