Staff and pupils at a Scottish Borders school have been evacuated today after a fire broke out.
Firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance at Peebles High School, on Springwood Road, after a blaze at lunchtime.
Videos on social media show black smoke billowing out of the building which can be seen across the town.
It is not known at this stage what started the fire or if anyone has been injured.
According to reports online a roof in the art department has collapsed at the school, which will now be closed until next week.
Parents have been advised to stay away from the school to allow emergency services to access the building.
Tracey Logan, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Peebles High School has been evacuated following a fire at around 1pm today.
“All pupils and staff are safe and accounted for.
“We are working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service during this ongoing incident.
“Pupils who live in the town are being taken to the nearby Priorsford Primary School. Pupils who use school transport are being taken to Peebles Parish Church and then on to their buses.
“We have taken the early decision that the school will be closed tomorrow (Friday) and obviously also the St Andrew’s Day holiday on Monday.
“During this time we will liaise with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ascertain the extent of the damage with a view to determining when the school can re-open and/or any alternative arrangements.
“Parents, pupils and staff will be informed through the normal channels.”
The Peebles High School Parents and Carers twitter account said: "We have just been told by SBC (Scottish Borders Council) spokesperson that the children from Peebles are being taken to Priorsford Primary School and are to be collected from there if parents want to now.
"Outlying areas students are being taken by bus to St Andrews Parish Church until end of school."
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 12.57pm on Thursday, November 28 to reports of a fire at Peebles High School, on Springwood Road, Peebles.
"The school has been fully evacuated, and all persons accounted for.
"More than 40 firefighters are currently tackling a building fire at Peebles High School.
"We have are nine fire appliances and two height appliances at the scene, alongside emergency service partners. There are no reported casualties, and the school has been fully evacuated."
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police were called to a fire at Peebles High School on Springwood Road.
"All staff and pupils were were evacuated. Emergency services remain on the scene."
As a result of the blaze buses in the town centre have been suspended.
Borders Buses tweeted: "Our Peebles Town Service has been Suspended until 5pm due to a Police incident at Peebles High School.
"Service will resume at 5pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Conservative MSP Michelle Ballantyne, who represent South Scotland, said: "This is devastating news. I'm relieved to hear that so far there have been no casualties. My thoughts are with the students and staff at Peebles High School.
"I believe we owe a massive debt of gratitude to our firefighters and emergency workers who are on-site managing the situation.
"This will be heart-breaking for the staff and pupils, and over the next few days I know council officials will be working very hard to ensure that pupils' education will not be distrupted."
Tracey Logan, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Peebles High School has been evacuated following a fire at around 1pm today.
“All pupils and staff are safe and accounted for.
“We are working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service during this ongoing incident.
“Pupils who live in the town are being taken to the nearby Priorsford Primary School. Pupils who use school transport are being taken to Peebles Parish Church and then on to their buses.”
