Fire safety review at Borders schools after blaze closes primary for months

A major safety review will be carried out in all schools in the Scottish Borders after a fire at a primary school last month.

The blaze at Newtown Primary, in Newton St Boswells, resulted in £240,000 in damage with the school expected to remain closed for a further four months for repairs.

A teenager has been charged over the fire, but it has emerged that doors inside the building were left open which allowed smoke to spread extensively.

The review - which will extend to all council-owned facilities - will look at fire doors and the proximity of rubbish bins to buildings.

It will ascertain whether fires could be more easily contained or prevented from starting in the first place.

A report will then be submitted to the council.

Education councillor Julie Pirone said anyone entering a council building needed to be reminded that doors are kept closed.

She told the BBC: "I'm particularly keen, given it's fire-raising in my own ward in Peebles, that bins or shelters are maybe not as near the building as they should be.

"That makes it easier that the fire brigade can contain the fire better but also protects the buildings from maybe not as much damage."

The fire has left the school unusable while works are carried out.

Pupils have started the new term in temporary classrooms at Scottish Borders Council headquarters at Newtown St Boswells.

Meanwhile, nursery pupils have been placed at Earlston Primary.

Council teams worked over the summer to prepare the temporary accommodation, with officers in education, property, facilities, health and safety, emergency planning and communications supporting the relocation.

The temporary school area includes classroom space for each primary class, secure access, areas for playtimes and lunchtimes, and shared space for assembly, PE and music.

It is hoped that pupils will be able to return to Newtown Primary soon after Christmas.

Councillor Leagh Douglas, who represents Selkirkshire for the Conservatives, said families had been "very anxious" about the changes but were "delighted" with the temporary arrangements.