Schools across Scotland evacuated after being targeted with 'threatening messages'

A number of schools across Scotland have been evacuated after being targeted with “threatening messages”, with police launching an investigation.

Police Scotland said it was treating the incidents as a hoax. STV News has contacted all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities.

Many schools across the country are still on holiday, some have an in-service day on Monday, and others have returned after their October break has finished.

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The Scottish Government said it was informed about the hoax threats.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware threatening messages have been sent to a number of schools across Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Police Scotland is investigating and treating (them) as a hoax.”

Glasgow City Council said some schools had been evacuated but had since returned inside.

West Dunbartonshire and South Lanarkshire councils confirmed police were investigating.

Midlothian and Shetland councils said they had received no threats.

Last week, nurseries and primary schools in East Lothian received an “Islamist” bomb threat. STV News understands police were treating the incident as a hoax.

“We are aware of threatening messages being sent to a number of schools across Scotland,” a Police Scotland spokesperson said.

“These are being treated as a hoax and officers are investigating.”

In Northern Ireland, some 160 schools have received “Islamist” bomb threats which are not being treated as viable, Stormont Education minister Paul Givan has said.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports today, Monday October 19, of an email sent to a number of schools across Northern Ireland.

“As a result of this email, police are conducting urgent enquiries, and liaising with the schools in question.”

What has your council said?

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Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen has been contacted for comment.

Aberdeenshire Council

Aberdeenshire Council said schools in the area are on their half-term holidays.

Angus Council

Angus has been contacted for comment.

Argyll and Bute Council

Argyll and Bute has been contacted for comment.

City of Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh City Council has been contacted for comment.

Clackmannanshire Council

Clackmannanshire has been contacted for comment.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council) has been contacted for comment.

Dumfries and Galloway Council

Dumfries and Galloway Council has been contacted for comment.

Dundee City Council

Dundee has been contacted for comment.

East Ayrshire Council

East Ayrshire has been contacted for comment.

East Dunbartonshire Council

East Dunbartonshire Council has confirmed no schools in the area have been evacuated.

Ann Davie, Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council said: “Like schools across Scotland this morning we have received these messages.

“We have liaised with Police Scotland who are treating them as a hoax and investigating the source. We will continue to take advice from Police Scotland on this matter.”

East Lothian Council

East Lothian Council confirmed a hoax email was sent to some schools last week during October break. An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that Police Scotland are investigating what is believed to be a hoax communication sent to a number of schools and nurseries.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland and are supporting their enquiries. There is currently no information to suggest cause for concern.

“The safety and wellbeing of our children, young people and employees remains our highest priority and we will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland as their investigation progresses.”

East Renfrewshire Council

East Renfrewshire Council has been contacted for comment.

Falkirk Council

Falkirk Council has been contacted for comment.

Fife Council

Fife Council has been contacted for comment.

Glasgow City Council

Glasgow has been contacted for comment.

Highland Council

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Highland Schools are still closed this week for the October holidays and we are not aware of any such threats.”