Scots school evacuated during parents night as smoke seen billowing from building

A Scots school was evacuated during parents' night after smoke was seen billowing from the building.

Dozens of parents were left standing in the playground at Stanley Primary School in Ardrossan.

Parents said they saw and smelled smoke coming from a corridor near the back of the building, which is next to a small new housing estate. 

The building was evacuated by firefighters after they were called to attend the drama at the North Ayrshire school last night.

The problem had threatened to close the school and the early years centre housed in the same building.

But firefighters and workers from facilities firm Mitie worked to fix the fault, allowing classes to go ahead as normal.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 5.04pm on Thursday, November 27, to reports of smoke coming from within a building on Stanley Road, Ardrossan.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene, where firefighters worked to make the area safe.

“There were no reported casualties.”

A letter sent to parents last night from the head teacher said: "The fire alarm at Stanley Primary School was activated earlier tonight during a Parents’ Evening. 

"The building was evacuated, and emergency services attended the site. 

"The alarm appears to have been activated due to a fault in the boiler room. 

"Mitie and their sub-contractor are dealing with this with a view to getting the boilers operational again tonight. 

"It is planned for the school and early years' class to be operational as normal tomorrow. 

"If there is any change to this we will let you know as soon as possible."

North Ayrshire Council and Mitie were contacted for comment.