Wednesday October 21st 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A councillor has issued a plea that “mindless idiots” behind hoax bomb threats to schools should not be allowed to disrupt education in the Borders.
Scottish Borders Council this week received a threatening hoax email warning of explosive devices located within local schools.
Police Scotland confirmed the messages were part of a widespread, non-viable hoax targeting hundreds of schools across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Specialist cyber crime officers have begun an investigation into the source of the messages, which were sent to both primary and secondary schools.
Despite Police Scotland confirming they were a hoax attendances at schools have fallen as a result.
Independent councillor James Anderson has addressed the issue with parents in his East Berwickshire council ward, calling for calm and stating there was “no credible threat”.
Mr Anderson believes communities should not be cowered by “mindless idiots hiding behind a keyboard” and disclosed that his children went into school as normal after the October break.
He said: “I completely understand why parents might feel uneasy, and it’s natural to worry.
“But we can’t let a handful of mindless idiots hiding behind a keyboard undermine our communities or scare us away from educating our children. That’s exactly what they want, and they’re not getting it.
“If you have any concerns please speak to your child’s school or contact me directly.
“And a big thank you to our teachers, school staff and Police Scotland, who are keeping our children safe.”
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