THE former Cambus postmaster who lost his job during the Post Office Scandal isn't bothered about compensation - he just wants his name cleared.

Robert Thomson was sacked, charged and taken to court, ending up with a criminal record after being wrongfully convicted of embezzlement.

He was one of more than 900 postmasters who were prosecuted in the biggest miscarriage of justice in UK history, and after a 20 year fight he wants everyone to know he's innocent. 

Robert said: “It’s not the compensation I’m interested in. All I want is my name cleared."

The scandal cost hundreds of people their jobs and reputation - and even their liberty as some were sent to prison.

It was years later before it was discovered that it was the faulty Horizon software used by the Post Office - and not the postmasters - that was to blame.

The story has gained weight recently thanks to the ITV series, and amid widespread public anger the Scottish and UK governments have been forced to quickly come up with plans to exonerate those affected.

As reported previously by the Advertiser, Robert had suffered greatly as a result of his false conviction, with his mental health taking a turn and his family becoming ostracised from the community.

READ MORE: Robert Thomson opens up on impact of Horizon scandal

He told the Advertiser that he views it as a relief that action is finally being taken, nearly 20 years since he was fired.

“I’m happy that it’s coming to a head now,” Robert said. “That’s 20 odd year now that I’ve been fighting it.

“It’s a telling time for myself, my wife and my family. People are now talking about it more than ever before.

“I’ve still got the guilty plea over my head and until we get rid of that, I’m not going to feel comfortable so hopefully we do get somewhere on February 1.”

Robert is due to attend court towards the start of next month, where he shall hopefully be given a final verdict on when his criminal record will be wiped.

He joins a group of other former Scottish postmasters waiting to have their convictions overturned, with reports suggesting the government were leaning towards automatic pardons.

Robert explained to the Advertiser that his only wish is to be able to walk out in public as an innocent man, stating all that is important is that his name is finally cleared.

He said: “I’ve went 20 years having problems getting loans, speaking to banks to open accounts and whatnot.

“Once I get this cleared, I can go in with my face smiling and tell them I’m not a bad one and I’ve been cleared, and then everyone will appreciate that.

“Money’s not the problem, it’s my name. It’s been going on for too long and I want my name cleared.

“If it doesn’t go my way, it’ll go back to the way that people have treated me before – they’ll talk about me and call me names.

“Until that day comes, until I get my name cleared, hopefully I can hold my head high and start walking about quite the thing.

“We’ll wait and see and I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”