The Scottish Government was facing increasing pressure last night to comment on the outcome of the review into the death of Aberdeen schoolboy Bailey Gwynne.
The 16-year-old was killed at Cults Academy on October 28 last year by a fellow pupil.
His killer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stabbed Bailey with a knife he bought online.
The youngster was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but died from his injuries.
Earlier this month an 17,000-word report written by independent investigator Andrew Lowe made 21 key recommendations to prevent a similar tragedy taking place in Scotland’s schools.
Mr Lowe made two key suggestions to the Scottish Government – to increased restrictions on the sale of weapons through the internet, and to assess whether teachers could have more powers to search pupils.
And last week the investigator, who has previously been involved in a number of high-profile incidents across the UK including the Hillsborough disaster, warned that a similar tragedy occur in any school Scotland, regardless of the social class of pupil it caters to.
Yesterday north-east MSP Ross Thomson said the Scottish Government must respond to the report as soon as possible and offer reassurance on school safety to parents across the country.
Mr Thomson said: “Given the comments from Andrew Lowe that this could have happened at any school in the country, we really need to hear from the Justice Secretary as to what the Scottish Government’s position is on this issue.
“There were clear recommendations to tighten up regulations for online sales of weapons and to provide powers for teachers to search pupils suspected of carrying knives.”
On Friday, the anniversary of Bailey’s death, pupils and teachers at Cults Academy held a special ceremony to remember the 16-year-old victim.
Mr Thomson added:”Parents across the country, not just in Aberdeen, need to be reassured that steps will be taken to improve security and safety in all our schools.
“As pupils mark the anniversary of Bailey’s death, families have a right to know if the SNP government is going to act.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The Government is still studying the independent report and as part of that will consider whether a parliamentary statement would be appropriate.”