Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

School evacuated after historic ordnance brought into building

The item was found on the beach near Scalloway Primary School on Shetland.

Lucinda Cameron
Friday 26 May 2023 16:44 BST
The incident occurred at Scalloway Primary School on Friday morning (PA)
The incident occurred at Scalloway Primary School on Friday morning (PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A school was evacuated after historic ordnance found on a beach was taken into the building.

Emergency services were called to the scene after the item was taken into Scalloway Primary School on Shetland on Friday morning.

Everyone was evacuated as a precaution and a cordon has been put in place around the area.

A bomb disposal team has been called to the scene.

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

Shetland Council

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police and emergency services are currently at a primary school in Scalloway, Shetland, after an 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.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal have been made aware and will attend. Inquiries are continuing.”

Shetland Islands Council thanked the emergency services for their response.

A council spokesman 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.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in