Pupils return to classroom days after Storm Darragh blew roof off Dumfries and Galloway school

Pupils return to Castle Douglas High School in Dumfries and Galloway today, just days after Storm Darragh caused part of the school’s roof to be blown off. Over the weekend, the region experienced extreme winds exceeding 60mph, leading to fallen trees and power cuts across the area. Despite the damage caused to the school by the storm, classes resumed as scheduled on Monday morning.

Dumfries and Galloway Council provided an update stating that although a section of the school’s roof was taken off by the storm, both internal and external inspections confirmed there was no internal damage or water leakage. The school’s access and learning spaces were unaffected, ensuring a normal opening on Monday. Efforts to secure the damaged area and tidy up the school grounds were undertaken once the severe winds subsided on Sunday.

The storm, which triggered an amber weather warning for wind in parts of Dumfries and Galloway, also resulted in a broader yellow warning covering the entire region from Friday to Sunday morning. Wind speeds of up to 62 miles per hour were recorded in various areas, causing road blockages due to fallen trees and power outages in locations like Stranraer and Glenkens.

Despite the challenges posed by Storm Darragh, Castle Douglas High School managed to swiftly recover and welcome back its students for a regular day of learning. The resilience and quick response from the school authorities ensured minimal disruption to the education of the pupils, showcasing the community’s ability to overcome adversity and keep moving forward.