Boy charged over Peebles school fire

A BOY has been charged in connection with a fire that caused “serious damage” to a secondary school in the Scottish Borders.

Pupils and staff were evacuated as fire crews tackled the blaze at Peebles High School shortly before 1pm last Thursday.

Up to 70 firefighters were on site at the height of the blaze, with many remaining well into the Friday to dampen down remaining hotspots.

Police Scotland confirmed yesterday that one boy had been arrested and charged in connection with a wilful fire-raising.

A report will be sent to the Children’s Reporter.

A second boy has also been arrested and released pending further inquiries.

Chief Inspector Stuart Reid, local area commander, said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience while the investigation into the fire continues as we work alongside our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We continue to liaise with the Scottish Borders Council in connection with the safety and security of the buildings, and the impact on the local community.

“We’d remind the public that, as the person charged is below the age of 18, he cannot be named or identified for legal reasons as per the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.”

Shortly after the fire, Scottish Borders Council made a “swift decision” to close the school until after the Christmas break.

About a third of the school hit by fire appears “completely redundant”, according to the Deputy First Minister.

John Swinney visited the school and said its condition was “pretty horrendous”.