No harmful substances found in package that triggered Elgin Academy evacuation as pupils allowed to return

A suspicious package that prompted the evacuation of Elgin Academy was not harmful or hazardous, Moray Council has confirmed.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning after school staff received a package by mail.

The suspicious package was isolated in a toilet block, and emergency protocols were activated, with staff and pupils evacuated from the school building and authorities alerted.

The school also sent out an alert to parents, informing them of what happened. Further updates were provided throughout the day.

Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service attended the scene, according to the local authority.

A spokesperson said: “Pupils were sent home and transport arrangements were put in place where required.

Elgin Academy was evacuated on Wednesday. JasperImage

“We would also like to thank pupils, staff and families for their patience and co-operation throughout the incident.

“The safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and the surrounding community is always our highest priority and we are grateful to the staff at Elgin Academy for their vigilance in reporting what they believed to be a suspicious package.

“While the package did not contain any harmful or hazardous substances, Police Scotland have removed the contents of the package from the school and will continue their investigations to trace the origin.”

The council also confirmed pupils will be able to return to Elgin Academy on Thursday.

‘False call with good intent’ says chief inspector

Local area commander chief inspector Andy Meikleham said: “Following an incident in Elgin today, we can confirm that there is no threat to the wider public and the incident was contained to one school.

“Around 11.05am on Wednesday, November 4, we received a report of a suspicious envelope sent to a secondary school on Morriston Road, Elgin.

“The school was closed as a precaution while emergency services attended.

“The envelope was assessed by a specialist team from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who were then able to open it to check the contents. There was nothing of danger inside and it was deemed safe.

“This is being treated as a false call with good intent, however enquiries are ongoing to trace the origin.”