Three schools shut as bomb squad races to 'unexploded device'

Three schools are shut as bomb squad races to deal with ‘unexploded device’ found nearby

• Bomb disposal officers are at the scene of the device, thought to be from WWII
• It is not uncommon for unexploded devices to be discovered within the UK 

Three schools in the Highlands have been shut down after an ‘unexploded device’ was found in the area.

Bomb disposal officers have been called in to assess the device, thought to be a relic from World War Two.

Emergency services are currently in attendance at Castle Terrace, Invergordon, in Easter Ross, after unexploded ordnance was discovered.

The Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) have been called to the scene.

Emergency services are currently in attendance at Castle Terrace, Invergordon

Roads have been closed and Invergordon Academy has been put on lockdown

Nearby Invergordon Academy has been locked down and the public have been urged to stay away from the area.

It is not believed children were in the school at the time of the discovery, with a spokesperson announcing on social media at just before 7.30am that the school would be closed for the day.

It expects to reopen tomorrow. 

Local schools Park Primary and South Lodge Primary are also closed on Wednesday, along with their early years centres. 

Park Primary School confirmed on their social media that the school will be closed for at least the entire day. 

Local SNP Highlands Councillor Tamala Collier said: ‘Castle Avenue, Davidson Drive and Gordon Terrace are currently closed due to a police incident. 

‘All Invergordon schools and nurseries are closed. I have been in contact with the police and am awaiting updates. 

‘Everybody is being told to stay away from the area. I will provide updates as they come. Let’s all just hope everybody is safe.’

A Police Scotland spokesperson said : ‘Emergency services are in attendance at Castle Terrace, Invergordon after an unexploded ordnance was found.

‘A cordon has been put in place and EOD have been contacted.

Police have told local residents to avoid the area while officers carry out all necessary procedures

‘Police in Invergordon are currently dealing with an incident at Castle Avenue and as a result a portion of the road between the junctions of Gordon Terrace and Academy Road is shut.

‘Davidson Drive is also shut with no vehicular or pedestrian traffic permitted.

‘Invergordon Academy will be closed until this incident reaches a conclusion.

‘Members of the public are requested to stay away from the area in the meantime.’

A spokesperson for Invergordon Academy said: ‘Invergordon Academy will be closed today (01.02.23) due to an ongoing Police incident. 

‘We expect to be back open tomorrow, 02.02.23.’

Local sports and social clubs have also confirmed they are closed for the day. 

It is understood the device may be an old wartime ordnance found in playing fields, possibly by a metal detectorist.

The area’s beaches were used to prepare soldiers and sailors for the Allied landings in Normandy in June 1944.

Munitions are regularly found in the surrounding area – as well as across the rest of the UK.

Military personnel were based at nearby Fort George at the time.

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