Scottish Borders Council responds to school safety concerns after hoax emails
Last updated 19th Oct 2026
Scottish Borders Council says the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff remains its highest priority after threatening emails sent to schools across the country were declared a hoax.
Director of education Lesley Munro has offered the reassurance to parents ahead of lessons resuming following the October break.
It comes amid concerns some are considering keeping their children off school when classrooms reopen this morning (Tuesday).
Ms Munro said: “There is currently no information to suggest any cause for concern.
“As children return to school, we would like to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of our children, young people and staff remains our highest priority."
Scottish Borders Council earlier confirmed it had received an email regarding "a device reportedly located within (its) schools", and that the matter was referred to Police Scotland.
It comes after Stormont’s education minister said more than 150 schools in Northern Ireland had received bomb threats, which are not being treated as viable.
“We will continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and be guided by them," Ms Munro said.
“Our staff look forward to welcoming children and young people back to school tomorrow.”
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East Berwickshire councillor James Anderson says he understands why some parents are frightened to send their children to school.
But he’s urging families not to let the messages disrupt pupils’ education, pointing out his own children will be returning to class as normal.
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Councillor Anderson said: “A lot of parents are genuinely scared after seeing the email that was sent to their children.
“I can assure everybody, if I thought there was any credible threat to the safety of our children, my children would not be going to school.
“However, my children will be going to school (on Tuesday) and we won't be letting one or two mindless idiots scare us into keeping our children off and holding back on their education.”
He added: "Until there's a credible threat found, which there has not been, we carry on as normal."
The independent councillor also thanked teachers, school staff and Police Scotland for their work, and encouraged parents with concerns to contact their child's school or speak to him directly.
Meanwhile, questions are being raised about public access to school buildings and facilities in the Borders following the emails.
Some parents are questioning whether facilities such as gyms and swimming pools on school campuses, including those in Galashiels, should be off-limits to members of the public during the school day to improve security.
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