Harlaw Academy evacuated after 999 call from school due to ‘strong smell of smoke’

Harlaw Academy was forced to evacuate after a “strong smell of smoke” was reported this morning.

Pupils and staff at the Aberdeen school were told to leave the building by fire crews.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received the call-out at 10.30am and has deployed two appliances to the school.

The whole school was ordered to evacuate due to a “strong smell of smoke”, however it a SFRS spokeswoman confirmed it was a false alarm.

Fire crews left the scene at 11am and pupils and staff were able to return to the Aberdeen school.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “A strong smell of smoke/electrical burning was notice and following a 999 call, the headteacher was advised to evacuate the building until it was declared safe.

“The fire service arrived and spent 20 minutes on site during which they identified a faulty light fitting. There was no fire and the light was isolated and the building declared safe.

“The building was evacuated for 25 mins and pupils were given a late break to access the toilets and canteen.

“Parents have been advised.”