School bus catches fire after pupils evacuated

A fire broke out on a school bus in Stirlingshire as it transported children home.

The double decker was taking pupils from McLaren High School in Callander to locations including Gartmore and Aberfoyle.

The alarm was raised at about 16:00 after the bus stopped on the A81 near Port of Menteith.

Stirling Council said it would work with the coach operator to establish the cause of the blaze.

It is understood up to 40 pupils were on board when the bus appeared to break down but they got off when it started smoking.

The flames took hold a short time later.

Pictures obtained by BBC Scotland appear to show the fire started at the back the bus, which is operated by Carrs Loch Lomond.

A council spokesman said: "This was obviously a scary incident for everyone involved but thankfully no one was hurt and all pupils got home safely.

"Our thanks go to the emergency services for their quick response, as well as our staff at Port of Menteith Primary School, who supported pupils and local residents while the incident was ongoing nearby."

The spokesman added the road would re-open under temporary traffic lights as soon as possible.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed emergency services were in attendance.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Carrs Loch Lomond, which is based in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, have been approached for comment.