'Really horrible': Head teacher responds after overnight fire at Highland primary school

The head teacher of a Highland school hit by an overnight blaze says it is “so much more than a building” as the community rallies around pupils and staff.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called after 12.40am on Thursday to the blaze at Ballachulish Primary School.

Six appliances were sent to the scene near Tigh Ard to extinguish the “well-developed” fire at the site.

There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 9.57am after ensuring the area was made safe.

Highland Council confirmed the full extent of the damage to the property is currently being assessed by fire crews.

However, there are fears the school, which is comprised of two classes and a nursery, may not be ready to be open following the October break on Monday, October 26.

Alternative arrangements are being considered, the school said.

Ballachulish Primary School Head Teacher Mary Evans said: “This is really horrible news to share, but our school is so much more than a building.

“It is the children, families and staff who make it the special place it is. Whatever challenges we may face, I know that the strength and kindness of our school community will help us through them together.

“I extend our thanks to the neighbours who first raised the alarm and to all from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews for their amazing efforts to tackle the fire and make the site safe.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.40am on Thursday, October 15 to reports of fire near to Tigh Ard in Ballachulish.

“Operations Control mobilised six appliances to the scene to extinguish a well-developed fire affecting a school building.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene at 9.57am after ensuring the area was made safe.”