Firefighters are battling a blaze at a high school in the Scottish Borders.

The fire service was alerted to the incident at Peebles High School shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said the fire was “severe”.

The service added: “More than 40 firefighters are currently tackling a building fire at Peebles High School on Springwood Road, Peebles.

“At present, there are nine fire appliances and two height appliances at the scene, alongside emergency service partners.

“The alarm was first raised at 12.57pm on Thursday, November 28.

“There are no reported casualties and the school has been fully evacuated.”

Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam warned parents against heading to the school and said all pupils are “safe and sound”.

She tweeted: “Fire at Peebles High School update. All kids are safe and sound.

“Parents please don’t try and go to the school. It will restrict access for emergency vehicles.”

Parents can pick up pupils from Priorsford Primary while children taken by bus to the school are going to St Andrew’s Parish Church until the end of the school day, a group representing parents and carers at the school posted online.

Conservative MSP for South Scotland Michelle Ballantyne said the fire was “devastating”.

She said: “I’m relieved to hear that so far there have been no casualties. My thoughts are with the students and staff and Peebles High School.

“I believe we owe a massive debt of gratitude to our firefighters and emergency workers who are onsite managing the situation.

“This will be heartbreaking for the staff and pupils, and over the next few days I know council officials will be working very hard to ensure pupils’ education will not be disrupted.”