'Bullet casing' found in Ardrossan playground sparks school lockdown

Emergency services were called to an Ardrossan school on Tuesday after a “bullet casing” was found.

Police were dispatched to Stanley Primary School at around 11.20am following the discovery in the playground.

Officers collected the shell and removed it from the area. It was later identified as a blank firing shell and not live ammunition.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.20am on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 we received a report of a possible bullet casing found in Stanley Road, Ardrossan.

“This was collected by officers and found to be a blank firing shell and not live ammunition.”

North Ayrshire Council confirmed that the area was investigated for a second time before pupils were allowed outside.

The local authority stated there was no risk to pupils and staff at the school

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that one firing shell was found in the playground and Police Scotland officers have removed the item, confirming later that it was a blank firing shell and not live ammunition.

“We dealt with the matter quickly and none of our children were put at any risk. We investigated the area again and carried out a thorough risk assessment before children had use of the playground again.

“It has since been identified where this blank firing shell came from and it is not considered that the circumstances present any risk to the pupils or staff at the school.

“Nevertheless, we understand this is a very unusual incident so if any parent/carer has any further concerns, they should get in touch with the school, who will endeavour to provide reassurance and support.”