Pupils at Annan Academy were dismissed as normal on Tuesday afternoon following a precautionary lockdown that lasted around 40 minutes after an unknown woman was seen walking inside the school.
The incident began shortly after 3:15 p.m. when parents received a text message from the school alerting them that Annan Academy was in lockdown. The message read: “The school is in lockdown, this is not a drill. Do not phone the school office unless it is an emergency.”
Within minutes, a second message followed, confirming that the lockdown had been lifted and that students would be released at the usual time.
Police Scotland were called to the scene at approximately the same time the alert went out. Officers attended the school, and the situation was quickly resolved without injury or disruption to the remainder of the school day.
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed the incident, explaining that the lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure after staff spotted an unfamiliar adult walking around the premises.
“There was a lockdown within Annan Academy today (November 12) of around 40 minutes,” the council spokesperson said. “The incident was as a precaution as an unknown adult was walking about inside the school this afternoon. She was seen at lunchtime and as she was unknown and her intentions were unknown, a lockdown was called and police called as a precaution.”
The spokesperson added that the matter was resolved safely and that students and staff were able to leave the building as normal once the all-clear was given.
Police Scotland have been contacted for further comment regarding the incident and whether any action was taken against the individual involved.
The school and local authorities praised staff and students for their calm response, emphasizing that lockdown procedures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety in situations where potential risks are unclear.
