SENIOR police officers have now visited every secondary school in the Borders following the fatal stabbing of a pupil in Aberdeen.

And they believe they are on top of a recent outbreak in Hawick.

Bailey Gwynne was stabbed to death by a fellow pupil during a fight at Cults Academy on October 28, 2015.

An inquiry into the 16-year-old's death was concluded last October by former Borders Council head of social work Andrew Lowe.

In light of the inquiry's recommendations, anti-bullying policies across Scotland are being reviewed.

Chief Inspector Andy McLean and other senior officers have now met with headteachers at all nine secondary schools in the region.

Chief Superintendent Ivor Marshall said: "One of the key findings from the inquiry was that schools didn't respond quickly enough and we want all schools to know what they should deal with and when they should bring in outside agencies such as ourselves.

"We are working very closely with schools in an effort to stamp out bullying."

Amongst the many recommendations to come out of the Bailey Gwynne enquiry was for police to be notified of every pupil found to be carrying a weapon.

Every bullying incident should also be recorded by the school with senior education managers alerted.

And letters, setting out school rules on bullying, are to be sent to the parents of every pupil starting first year.

Last week's Safer Communities meeting at Scottish Borders Council was told that problems with bullying have recently escalated at Hawick High.

Local councillor George Turnbull said: "It would seem the problem of bullying has returned to Hawick High School and we should be doing everything we can to stop it."

Police Scotland already have an officer who is working with staff and pupils within Hawick High.

Local inspector John Scott said: "We will target any individual who needs our support and we are dealing with all issues that are brought to our attention."

Education bosses at Scottish Borders Council believe staff at the school are getting on top of the problems.

And they are encouraging pupils to report any incidents of bullying anonymously through a new app.

A spokesperson told the Border Telegraph: “Like all schools in the Borders, Hawick High School is very proactive in dealing with any issues related to bullying.

"In addition to making it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable, acting headteacher John Clarke and his team work very hard to ensure that pupils are fully aware of the support that is available to them should they have concerns.

"This includes the highly effective TootToot app which gives young people the ability to report bullying issues anonymously which can then be followed up and dealt with.

“The school also encourages young people to be involved in deciding what type of support is provided to make sure that what is available is meeting their requirements."