School evacuated and bomb squad called as 'historic ordinance' found

Police Scotland has cordoned off the area and pupils have been sent home 'as a precaution'.

Shetland school evacuated as bomb squad called in over ‘historic ordinance’, Police Scotland says — Ordinance: Scalloway Primary School was closed on Friday morning. Google Maps

26th May 2023

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An island school has been evacuated by police after a “historic ordinance” was discovered in the building.

Police Scotland shut down Scalloway Primary School in Shetland on Friday after the device was taken onto school grounds from a nearby beach at around 11:45am.

The force said the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team have been called in.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police and emergency services are currently at a primary school in Scalloway, Shetland after a historic ordnance was found at a local beach and taken to the school around 11.45am on Friday.

“A cordon has been put in place around the area and the school has been evacuated as a precaution.

“Shetland Coastguard and Shetland Council are assisting.

“EOD have been made aware and will attend. Enquiries are continuing.”

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: “A Coastguard Rescue Team from Lerwick has been sent to Scalloway, Shetland, where suspected ordnance has been found.”

The area remains cordoned off while assessments on the danger of the item can be made.

Shetland Islands Council said: “We can confirm an incident at Scalloway Primary School this morning involving historic ordnance.

“Staff and pupils have now left the building and the school is now closed.

“We’re grateful to Police Scotland and HM Coastguard for their prompt response.”