The Scottish Government has been criticised for a “disappointing” response after it emerged they are still considering whether to make a parliamentary statement on the report into Bailey Gwynne’s death.
The inquiry into the 16-year-old’s killing last October was published during Holyrood’s recess and made two recommendations to the Edinburgh administration, as well as other bodies.
A number of MSPs had called for Justice Secretary Michael Matheson to update parliament on the suggestions, which included toughening up the online sale of weapons and assessing whether teachers could have additional powers to search pupils.
But, despite Holyrood now being back in session, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said they were still trying to decide if a statement to MSPs was necessary.
Ross Thomson, a north-east Scottish Conservative MSP has been angered by the response.
He told the Press and Journal: “I said, after this report was published, that the Justice Secretary should appear before parliament at the earliest opportunity to clarify the Scottish Government’s position on the findings of this review.
“There are clear recommendations to tighten up laws around online weapons sales and grant search powers for teachers that must be addressed.
“We need swift action from the SNP government, particularly given the comments this week from review author Andrew Lowe that this tragedy could be repeated in any school in the country.
“Parents will be seeking reassurance that everything is being done to ensure this type of horrific incident does not happen again.”
North-east Liberal Democrat MSP, Mike Rumbles, added: “It is disappointing that no statement will be made about how the Scottish Government will learn from this tragic event.
“Simple steps such as restricting the sale of weapons online would be a step in the right direction to keeping dangerous weapons away from children.”
Bailey Gwynne died after being stabbed by a fellow pupil at Cults Academy last year.
The independent report into the tragedy made a total of 21 recommendations, two of which were for the Scottish Government, to try and avoid a similar incident happening again.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman added: “We are still studying the independent report and, as part of that [process], will consider whether a parliamentary statement would be appropriate.”
