Scissors banned from classes

Pupils across the northeast have been warned not to bring scissors included in a Back to School stationery pack into class.

Elrick School in Westhill and Loirston School at Cove are among those to issue a warning to parents after advice from Police Scotland.

Loirston School said the issue first came to light while police officers were delivering a talk on knives at another school.

Several pupils produced scissors from their pencil cases after officers mentioned it is an offence to have a “bladed or sharply pointed article” in a public place.

“The scissors had been purchased... in good faith”

The school added: “As the scissors had been purchased as part of a Back to School pack in good faith, no police action is being considered regarding the possession.

“However, in all likelihood there will be other pupils across the north-east who have purchased similar Back to School packs that contain scissors... not knowing that they are deemed a sharply pointed article.”

Inspector Colin Taylor said: “While we are aware that the overwhelming majority of children would never use scissors other than for the intended purpose, there is absolutely no need for such an item to be taken into school.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokesman added: “The information is a reminder to parents that there is no need for children to have sharp items such as scissor or pairs of compasses in their school bags.”

A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council added: “Parents and carers have been asked to ensure their children do not bring stationery packs containing scissors to school.”