Fire Damages Ballachulish Primary School

Highland Council assessing damage and making arrangements for pupils following blaze at the school.

Generic image of a Scottish primary school building with smoke rising from the roof under a dramatic grey sky, with blurred red emergency lights in the background.
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Generic image of a Scottish primary school building with smoke rising from the roof under a dramatic grey sky, with blurred red emergency lights in the background.

A fire broke out in the early hours of 15 October at Ballachulish Primary School, prompting an assessment of the damage by emergency services and council officials.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is assessing the full extent of the damage to Ballachulish Primary School following a fire in the early hours of this morning, 15 October. Officials from Highland Council's maintenance and estates teams have also visited the site.
The council's education management team is providing support to the school's head teacher, Mary Evans, who has been on site and has informed parents of the situation. The school, which comprises two classes and a nursery, is now working on alternative arrangements for pupils when term resumes after the October break on Monday 26 October.
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"This is really horrible news to share, but our school is so much more than a building. It is the children, families and staff who make it the special place it is. Whatever challenges we may face, I know that the strength and kindness of our school community will help us through them together."

Mary Evans · Head Teacher, Ballachulish Primary School
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"I extend our thanks to the neighbours who first raised the alarm and to all from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews for their amazing efforts to tackle the fire and make the site safe."

Mary Evans · Head Teacher, Ballachulish Primary School
Based on information from the official source: The Highland Council (15/10/2026)