Liberton Primary School fire: 'It was awful to witness' - community reacts to blaze

Edinburgh has been rocked by a major fire which broke out at Liberton Primary School yesterday afternoon.

The school was evacuated and there are no reported injuries to staff or pupils.

For the rest of the week, the school will be closed and parents will be told next week about arrangements for the return of pupils on February 17 after half-term.

It came just hours after a fire at the historic Myreside Pavilion, and two days after pupils finally returned to Peebles High School in the borders following a major fire in November.

Evening News readers responded to the news with shock on social media.

"That's gutting! Such a good school," said Mhairi Innes.

"This was my daughter’s school very very sad," said Jane Wilson.

Lindsey Hastie added: "As a parent of a Peebles High School pupil who recently went through the same horrible experience (and wife of an Edinburgh firefighter) my thoughts are with all parents, teachers and emergency services tonight. Glad everyone is safe and sound."

Many expressed their relief that no-one was hurt in the fire.

Wilma Duncan said: "It was awful to witness. So glad no one was injured."

"Hope everyone in the after school clubs evacuated ok and fire crews remain safe. A bit of traffic gridlock on the way home is nothing as long as everyone is unharmed," added Justin Taylor Mackenzie.

Several readers shared memories of their own days at the school.

Neil Thomson said: "Hope everyone's OK, and ma poor auld primary school. This is another school that needs a whole new upgrade or demolished and completely rebuilt."

Lynsey McAlonie added: "My mum, myself and my oldest daughter went to Liberton. How very sad to see it like this. So glad no one was hurt."

"Originally the Inch primary school which I attended back in 1959. Great memories there," said David Fox.