Politicians have united behind calls for laws surrounding the purchase of weapons online to be “toughened up” in the wake of the report into Bailey Gwynne’s death.
MSPs from across the political spectrum have demanded urgent action in a bid to ensure the “tragic” events never occur again.
Aberdeen MP Callum McCaig, who attended Cults Academy where Bailey Gwynne was killed, said the “horrendous tragedy” continued to affect the local community.
One of the report’s recommendations suggested the Scottish Government “should explore the further legislative controls that can be brought to bear on the purchase of weapons online”.
Another recommendation is that the Scottish Government should consider legal changes to give teachers more power to search pupils.
A spokesman for the government confirmed they would “consider the report’s conclusions and recommendations carefully”.
North East MSP Lewis Macdonald said he wanted action on the law surrounding the searching of pupils, as well as the purchase of weapons online.
The Labour member added: “No-one wants to see a tragic event like this happen in our schools ever again, and it is therefore vital that the recommendations made in this report are addressed by both Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government.”
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Ross Thomson agreed.
He said: “Aberdeen City Council has rightly reviewed its own policies in relation to knife crime, but wider lessons must be learned.
“In particular, the Scottish Government must immediately look to toughen up laws on buying weapons online and also consider amending existing legislation to allow teachers to search pupils when necessary.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said the thoughts of the administration continued to be with Bailey’s family and friends “during this very difficult time”.
He added: “We will consider the report conclusions and recommendations carefully to identify any lessons to be learnt on what more could be done to further ensure the safety of our children and young people at school.”
SNP MP Mr McCaig said: “The death of Bailey Gwynne was a horrendous tragedy for his family, friends, and the entire Cults Academy community.
“These recommendations have come out as we approach the one year anniversary of that day, and will be an unsettling reminder of the tragic circumstances which led to a young man losing his life.
“All recommendations in this report need to be given thoughtful consideration.
“Bailey Gwynne’s family and the pupils and staff of Cults Academy must be shown respect and allowed their privacy as we all read and take in the recommendations.”
