A court heard Wilson described as "calculating, cool and calm"

As a teacher at one of Edinburgh's most prestigious schools, Alan Wilson was widely respected.

The head of history at James Gillespie's High School had been described as an "inspirational" figure.

But his world collapsed after it was revealed that he abused boys from the school and this resulted in his conviction and an 18-month jail term.

Drinking sessions

After Wilson's conviction, one of his victims told BBC Scotland: "It will take me some time to get over this, if I ever do."

Wilson was suspended from his teaching post in 1999 after a mother complained that he had plied her son with drink.

A subsequent inquiry revealed sexual abuse over a five-year period on three boys who were pupils at James Gillespie's.

They had been given drink by Wilson after visiting his flat near Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.

He had been a guidance teacher for one of the boys when the 17-year-old's mother was dying of cancer.

Education adviser

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told that Wilson took advantage of the boy's vulnerable state after inviting him to the flat.

Another boy went to Wilson's home in the evening for extra tuition before his Highers.

Before the offences came to light, Wilson had been a teacher for 20 years and an adviser to the education authority.

He was also the author of seven books on historical themes, and a director of Mercat Tours, a company offering guided walks through Edinburgh.