Schools across Scotland evacuated after receiving 'bomb threats'

Key Points

Schools across Scotland evacuated after fresh bomb threats
Threatening messages come just weeks after similar incidents
More than 270 schools reported to be targeted
Schools in Inverclyde, Fife and Perth and Kinross among those evacuated
Police Scotland messages were ‘immediately assessed and are being treated as hoaxes’

Schools across Scotland have been evacuated after receiving bomb threats.

A number of schools across the country have been targeted with threatening communications just weeks after being sent messages in another suspected hoax.

Police Scotland is treating the messages as hoaxes and says there is nothing to suggest they represent a credible threat or pose any wider threat to the public.

The force says there is no requirement to evacuate schools based solely on the content of the emails.

Some schools in areas such as Perth and Kinross, Fife and Inverclyde were evacuated.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, threatening messages were sent to a number of schools in Scotland and across the UK.

“These messages were immediately assessed and are being treated as hoaxes. Our enquiries have established that there is nothing to suggest that they represent a credible threat or that there is any wider threat to the public.

“We understand how distressing messages of this nature can be for pupils, parents, carers and school staff, and the concern they can understandably cause.

“Our advice is that there is no requirement to evacuate schools or keep children away from education based solely on the content of the emails. They have been sent widely to distribution lists across the UK and Northern Ireland and our assessment remains that they do not represent a credible threat.

“Police Scotland’s Cyber and Fraud Unit is carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the source of the messages, and officers continue to liaise with law enforcement partners across the UK and internationally.”

Which schools have been evacuated?

Glasgow

John McGhee, Executive Director of Education at Glasgow City Council, said: “You may be aware of media reports this morning about a threatening email about a device in schools that has been sent to schools across the country – our police colleagues have confirmed this is a hoax and that schools should not be evacuated.

“Police officers will investigate the source of these emails. We will continue to work closely with our police colleagues as part of the investigation.

“We know that these incidents will cause anxiety and I want to reassure you the safety of our children, young people and staff is our top priority, and we will always follow the correct procedures in this type of situation.”

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that schools in Aberdeenshire received an email which Police Scotland quickly confirmed was a hoax.

“As a precaution, schools followed established procedures and Police Scotland was informed.

“We completely understand that reports will be unsettling for our parents and families, we would like to reassure you there is no information to suggest any credible threat to our schools.

“The safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff remains our priority.”

Fife

Fife Council’s service manager Kevin Funnell said: “We are aware that a number of schools received an email containing a bomb threat this morning.

“As a precaution, schools have followed established procedures and Police Scotland has been informed. At this stage there is no information to suggest there is a credible threat.

“The safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and visitors remains our priority. We are working closely with Police Scotland and will continue to keep schools updated as further information becomes available.”

Highlands

Lochaber High School in Fort William said on social media that more than 270 schools across Scotland had received a “message” with some activating emergency evacuation procedures.

A spokesperson for the school said: “At this stage, we do not intend to evacuate Lochaber High School.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep parents and carers updated on any developments or changes. If you wish to collect your child from school, you are welcome to do so.”

Highland Council said: “Emergency protocols were activated in Highland schools this morning, as we awaited further guidance from police.

“Following police enquiries, these messages are being treated as hoaxes. There is nothing to suggest they represent a credible threat or that there is any wider threat to the public.

“Schools will be in touch with parents directly regarding arrangements following any precautionary measures taken this morning.”

West Lothian

West Lothian Council said: “We are aware that a number of West Lothian schools have received a threatening email this morning, as have schools across the country. Police Scotland is investigating and these are being treated as a hoax.

“We have been in discussion with police who are assured there is no imminent risk and advised that schools should continue with their day as planned. Schools in West Lothian are therefore not closed. A GroupCall message is being issued now to all parents/carers to inform them of this.”

Inverclyde

Inverclyde Council said: “We are aware of a potentially threatening email being received by schools across Inverclyde earlier today.

“However, Police Scotland have advised that there is no credible threat. Schools have responded quickly and appropriately, following established safety procedures.

“Any schools which had activated any lockdown procedures have been advised to stand down this position. We recognise that reports of this nature can understandably cause concern.

“Please be assured that the safety of our pupils and staff is our key priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further information should this be required.”

Angus

Angus Council said: “Hoax emails have once again been received by schools in Angus, along with a number of schools in Scotland and across and the UK. This was immediately reported to Police Scotland.

“Police Scotland has advised that these are being treated as a hoax and that they are investigating the source of these.

“Parents and carers have been advised of this directly this morning and that Police Scotland is investigating it as a hoax communication with no information to suggest any cause for concern or need to evacuate.

“The safety and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and will continue to be guided by them.”