'Severe' fire forces Peebles High School closure

A high school in the Borders will remain shut after a "severe" fire which saw pupils evacuated.

Firefighters were called to Peebles High School on Springwood Road at about 13:00 on Thursday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed everyone was safe and accounted for, with more than 40 firefighters sent to tackle the blaze.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) said the school would stay closed on Friday and for a pre-arranged holiday on Monday.

The fire broke out at about 13:00

Large plumes of smoke were seen over the building

The local authority's chief executive Tracey Logan said the closure would be used to check the extent of the damage to the building.

It will then be determined when the school can reopen and what alternative arrangements might need to be made.

The fire service said that dozens of firefighters had been sent to the well-developed fire along with nine fire and two height appliances.

"The school has been fully evacuated, and all persons accounted for," a spokesperson said.

Firefighters were expected to remain at the scene for "some time".

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said everyone had been accounted for

More than 40 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze

It is believed the fire started in the art department at lunchtime. An old gym hall adjacent to the department has also been badly damaged.

Ms Logan confirmed that everyone at the school - with a roll of about 1,200 pupils - had been evacuated at about 13:00.

"All pupils and staff are safe and accounted for," she said.

"We are working closely with the SFRS during this ongoing incident."

Two height appliances were helping to deal with the incident

She confirmed the council had taken the "early decision" to keep the school closed on Friday.

It will also be shut for the St Andrew's Day holiday in the Scottish Borders on Monday.

Checks will be carried out during the closure with an update issued in due course.

"Parents, pupils and staff will be informed through the normal channels," added Ms Logan.

'Heartbreaking for staff and pupils'

South Scotland MSP Michelle Ballantyne said the fire was "devastating".

She said: "I'm relieved to hear that so far there have been no casualties. My thoughts are with the students and staff and Peebles High School.

"I believe we owe a massive debt of gratitude to our firefighters and emergency workers who are on site managing the situation.

"This will be heartbreaking for the staff and pupils, and over the next few days I know council officials will be working very hard to ensure pupils' education will not be disrupted."

Police asked drivers to stay away from the area as the operation continued to deal with the fire.