Elgin Academy to reopen after 'suspicious envelope' alert

A Moray secondary school which was evacuated after the delivery of a "suspicious" envelope will reopen on Thursday.

Police Scotland said the alarm was raised at Elgin Academy, on Morriston Road, at about 11:00.

Emergency services were called to the scene and pupils were sent home.

The force later said the package did not contain any harmful or hazardous substances.

Ch Insp Andy Meikleham said the incident was being treated as a false call with good intent and confirmed investigations to identify its source were ongoing.

He said: "The envelope was assessed by a specialist team from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) who were then able to open it to check the contents.

"There was nothing of danger inside and it was deemed safe."

The SFRS said three appliances and other specialist resources were sent to the scene.

Moray Council said: "We can confirm that Elgin Academy was evacuated as a precaution this morning in-line with emergency procedures after a suspicious package was reported.

"Pupils were sent home and school transport was arranged. We thank the pupils and staff for their professionalism and calm approach to the evacuation.

"The safety and well-being of pupils, staff and the surrounding community is always our highest priority and we are grateful to the staff at Elgin Academy for their vigilance in reporting what they believed to be a suspicious package."

The local authority confirmed the school would open as usual on Thursday and urged any pupils affected by the incident to speak to their guidance teacher.