The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
School in lockdown as pupil allegedly seen carrying knife
A Western Isles school was locked down yesterday after a pupil allegedly took in a knife.
Police were called to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway after teachers raised the alarm.
One onlooker said they saw police activity at the rear of the school as officers attempted to apprehend the boy.
He was allegedly chased along the town’s Sandwick Road before officers caught him near the Cala Hotel. It is understood he was taken to Stornoway Police Station.
The school – which has about 980 pupils – was put on effective lockdown with everyone instructed to remain in their classrooms until the incident was dealt with.
A police spokesman said: “Police attended at the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway on the morning of Tuesday following concerns raised for a teenage boy.
“He was allegedly chased along the town’s Sandwick Road”
“Nobody was injured and the matter was dealt with quickly.
“There was no risk to the wider school community.
“Inquiries are ongoing and Police Scotland is working with the school and Western Isles Council.”
Western Isles Council said support would be provided for pupils if required.
Councillor Gordon Murray said: “It is a huge concern that this has taken place in Stornoway but I am glad that police acted quickly and it was dealt with promptly.”
He added: “It is heartening that police and staff worked together to deal with the incident and that no one was harmed.”
Donald Macleod, senior education officer with the local authority, praised the swift and effective reaction of teachers and staff.
Mr Macleod said: “Pupil safety is of paramount importance. The school immediately applied its policy, making made sure everybody was kept safe throughout the incident and very quickly reported the incident to Police Scotland.”