Thompsons Solicitors confirmed that around 70 per cent of cases have now been settled for a seven-figure sum, with further settlements expected in the coming weeks.

While there have been other types of group proceedings cases in Scotland, the Celtic Plc group proceedings action broke new ground. Although common aspects of cases were pursued as a group, individual group members’ rights to compensation for their specific injuries and losses were preserved.

Thompsons Solicitors advised that because a small number of cases have yet to be settled, the group litigation and individual cases remain active.

Laura Connor, partner and head of the life impact team at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard.

“This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.

“At long last they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys’ Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club.”

Around 30 survivors who suffered sexual abuse while playing for Celtic Boys’ Club in the 1970s, 80s and 90s launched a US-style “class action” lawsuit under new Scottish group proceedings legislation.

In a statement, Celtic said: “The club acknowledges the strength of the survivors of abuse who have come forward, and hope that this resolution may help to bring them some closure.

“Celtic Football Club is appalled by any form of historic abuse and has great sympathy for those who suffered abuse and for their families.

“The club is very sorry that these events took place at Celtic Boys’ Club. The club takes this abuse extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.”