An Aberdeenshire School cancelled a planned “dress down” fundraiser following an incident where an intruder tried entering the building to threaten a pupil.
Police were called to Portlethen Academy on Wednesday after a teenager, who does not belong to the school, sparked alarm by threatening a youngster and teaching staff.
When the 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday he claimed he had been pursuing the boy over an unpaid debt.
Teachers were able to identify the intruder because he was not wearing a school uniform, and managed to prevent him from getting inside.
But as a result of the drama, a charity “dress down day” planned for yesterday was called off – amid fears that others who do not belong to the school could enter the building and evade detection.
Pupils still collected for Children In Need throughout the day, but did so in their normal uniforms.
Head teacher Neil Morrison wrote to parents saying that “prioritising a safe environment” is “always central to our decision making”.
He added: “This incident has brought this into sharper focus than ever.
“Unfortunately, therefore, we have taken the decision to cancel the dress-down day as part of the fundraising for Children in Need.
“We have not taken this decision lightly but nothing can take precedence over the safety of our young people and staff.”
