School canteen roof fire

Firefighters were involved in tackling a blaze at the high school last Friday as Common-Riding celebrations reached their peak.

Crews from Hawick and Selkirk turned out, along with police officers, after flames and smoke were seen coming from the Buccleuch Road school’s canteen roof shortly before 3pm.

A fire brigade spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 2.47pm on Friday to reports of a fire affecting Hawick High School. Operations control immediately mobilised two fire appliances to the location and firefighters extinguished the fire.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

It is understood the blaze is not being treated as suspicious and may have been ignited by a solar panel. No one was hurt in the incident.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council told The Hawick Paper this week: “There is some damage to the roof above the canteen with some internal damage which is minimal.”

The spokesperson stressed: “There was no impact or disruption to pupils’ education.

“Pupils returned to school on Tuesday as planned.”

When asked about the estimated cost of damage, the council told us: “We have yet to determine the cost of the damage and investigations continue with our insurers.”

• There are proposals to replace the school building and a consultation is under way. Parents and pupils will get a chance to view the plans and have their say at a meeting in the school on Monday, June 27 (2-8pm).