Scotland: Schoolchildren Evacuated From Primary After Heavy Rain

Rain Drives Primary School Pupils Out Of School

Schoolchildren have been evacuated from their primary school after a burn burst its banks as heavy rain fell on Scotland.

A total of 27 pupils were rescued from Abington primary school in Biggar, South Lanarkshire. The children - along with two teachers - were led through knee-high floodwaters to safety by firefighters from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

The rescue came as central Scotland and the west and south of the country was hit by heavy rain, resulting in roads being closed and trains and buses cancelled.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said they had received 151 calls about floods in the course of the day.

Assistant Chief Officer Robert Scott said: "We are currently dealing with a wide range of flood-related incidents across the Strathclyde region. In this particular case (school) I'm pleased to say that, other than some wet feet, no-one was hurt and all the children and teachers were quickly moved by firefighters to a safe location.

"However, an incident like this illustrates how quickly water can overtake a premises in extreme weather conditions. With many roads closed due to flooding, and surface water affecting many main routes, we are advising drivers to take special care."

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, saying the rain was falling on already wet ground.

Areas around Inverclyde and Stirling were particularly hard-hit, with drivers told to avoid the areas. The A8 was closed in both directions between Langbank and Greenock due to flooding.

About 1.4in (35mm) of rain fell in Glasgow during the night - making it the wettest place in Scotland. Around 1in (26mm) of rain also fell in Strathallan, near Stirling.

Transport minister Keith Brown said anyone making journeys should check the latest travel advice and information before making setting out. He added: "More heavy rain and strong winds are forecast and Transport Scotland's Multi Agency Response Team, which consists of representatives from Traffic Scotland, our operating companies, the police and ScotRail, has been convened and the Scottish Government Resilience Room activated to monitor the situation."