Emergency services rushed to Gryffe High School in Houston after they were alerted to a potential ‘chemical spill’ earlier today.
Gryffe High School Houston(Image: Andrew Neil)
A Renfrewshire high school was evacuated today over fears of a hazardous substance. Emergency services rushed to Gryffe High School in Houston after they were alerted to a potential ‘chemical spill’.
Our sister title, The Daily Record, understands the incident is linked to materials used in the school’s chemistry labs. 16 people were assessed by the Scottish Ambulance Service but no-one required treatment.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.53am on Friday, 19 December to a potential chemical spill at Gryffe High School, Houston.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances and a Detection, Identification and Monitoring vehicle to carry out tests. 16 people were assessed at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service for precautionary checks. Crews have now left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.15am on Friday, 19 December, 2025, we received a report of a possible hazardous substance at a premises in the Bridge of Weir Road area of Houston.
“Emergency services attended and a number of people were evacuated as a precaution. There were no reported injuries.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 11:02 to attend an incident on Old Bridge of Weir Road, Johnstone.
“We dispatched an ambulance and two special operations response teams (SORT) to the scene.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Pupils were evacuated this morning as a precaution following suspected fumes on site.
“Emergency services were immediately alerted, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as well as health and safety and following their advice, pupils have returned to the building to carry on with the school day as planned.”