Liberton Primary School will be closed for the rest of the week following a major fire at the school this afternoon (Wednesday 5 February).

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the school on Gilmerton Road just after 3.30pm to reports of a fire in a first floor classroom and spread to the roof space.

The fire started after classes had finished for the day and any remaining staff and pupils who were on the site were evacuated safely with no reported injuries.

Parents have been informed that the school will be closed tomorrow and Friday with next week being the half term February break.

Further updates regarding contingency arrangements for the return of pupils on Monday 17 February will issued to parents next week.

Education Convener Cllr Ian Perry said: “The decision to close the school has not been taken lightly however unfortunately this has been a major fire which has caused significant damage to a large part of the school.

“There have been no reported injuries and I want to thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Council teams for their swift response. We’ll update parents next week regarding contingency arrangements.

“We will work closely with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire.”

Further updates regarding contingency arrangements will be posted on the Emergency School Closures page on our website and on social media.