£20k bill for storm damage at Barra school

Over £20,000 of damage is estimated to have been caused by flooding at Castlebay School in Barra.

A wall behind the school collapsed under the weight of water after a stream burst its banks in heavy rain during hurricane-force winds last week.

Torrents of water flowing down the hill to the rear of the school poured into the building.

A Western Isles Council spokesman said water seeped through walls and was up to eight inches above the floor at times.

He said the local authority was adding up the cost and would be submitting an insurance claim.

Computers and electronic equipment were destroyed.

Classes were cancelled and the mopping up operation meant pupils started their October holidays earlier than planned.

The council is now fixing up the school to allow it to reopen next week.