PEEBLES High School will be closed tomorrow (Friday) following a blaze, council bosses have confirmed.

A total of 40 firefighters were called to the school this afternoon.

Everyone was evacuated from the building safely at around 1pm.

Now Scottish Borders Council has said the school will not be open tomorrow.

Tracey Logan, chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Peebles High School has been evacuated following a fire at around 1pm today.

“All pupils and staff are safe and accounted for.

“We are working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service during this ongoing incident.

“Pupils who live in the town are being taken to the nearby Priorsford Primary School. Pupils who use school transport are being taken to Peebles Parish Church and then on to their buses.

“We have taken the early decision that the school will be closed tomorrow (Friday) and obviously also the St Andrew’s Day holiday on Monday.

“During this time we will liaise with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ascertain the extent of the damage with a view to determining when the school can re-open and/or any alternative arrangements.

“Parents, pupils and staff will be informed through the normal channels.”