Scottish Schools Introduce Lockdown Drills for Young Pupils Under New Terrorism Law
Children as young as five years old are now participating in lockdown drills across Scottish schools, as part of nationwide preparations for potential intruders and security threats. These American-style exercises are being rolled out in primary and secondary institutions following the enactment of Westminster's Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law.
Implementation and Parental Concerns
Aberdeen City Council has emerged as one of the first local authorities in Scotland to implement these drills city-wide. However, the initiative has generated significant unease among parents, many of whom worry that the exercises could be excessively frightening for young children. Some have expressed alarm at receiving emails about the drills with minimal explanation, citing vague references to safety without detailing the underlying reasons.
Scottish Conservative cabinet secretary for education and skills Miles Briggs commented: 'It's hardly surprising that parents are deeply concerned by this. While this guidance is undoubtedly well-intentioned, many will feel that it is inappropriate for children as young as five to be practising lockdown drills. There are obvious question marks over whether they are mature enough to absorb the information and whether, instead, the exercise will only serve to frighten them.'
Details of the Drills and School Communications
The lockdown drills involve pupils and staff moving to secure locations within school buildings, rather than evacuating, to prepare for various emergency scenarios. These include intruder threats, terrorism incidents, or nearby hazards like chemical spills. During exercises, participants may be instructed to remain in classrooms, lock doors, close blinds, and stay quiet until an all-clear is given.
Communications from schools have varied. For instance, a letter from Airyhall Primary School in Aberdeen stated the drills were to help children 'learn what to do, just in case', without mentioning specific threats. One mother with two children at the school noted: 'I value their safety, but I hope they aren't telling them why they are doing them. It certainly gave me a shock. There wasn't any pre-warning, just this is what's happening.'
Similarly, Bucksburn Academy headteacher Mike Paul informed parents that the drills were 'designed to keep everyone safe in the unlikely event of an intruder or suspicious activity'. He emphasised that all schools are required to have lockdown plans and practise regularly, while also highlighting concerns about pupils misusing fire doors, which he said created security risks.
Martyn's Law and National Context
Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22, 2017, which killed 22 people, including 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod from the Isle of Barra. His mother, Figen Murray, has campaigned for stronger protective measures against terrorism since the attack.
Local authorities across Scotland are responding to the legislation with varied approaches. Aberdeen City Council stated that staff and pupil safety is 'essential at all times' and that all schools will conduct lockdown drills as part of security arrangements, following national guidance. Moray Council confirmed that schools are introducing precautionary drills, with at least one exercise planned annually.
Highland Council noted that its schools already have guidance for lockdown or 'sheltering in place' procedures, which can be activated for threats like intruders, nearby disturbances, dangerous animals, fires, or environmental hazards. East Lothian Council mentioned that annual invacuation drills are now held as part of resilience work, with parents given advance notice.
Varied Responses from Other Councils
However, implementation is not uniform. Inverclyde Council reported that it does not routinely carry out drills but monitors the situation and would consider changes if necessary. Midlothian Council stated it does not currently conduct lockdown drills but is working towards implementing a suitable programme by April 2027, when Martyn's Law will be fully enforced.
Shetland Islands Council is awaiting official guidance before taking action, while Falkirk and East Dunbartonshire Councils are reviewing their lockdown procedures in line with national guidance. A spokesman for Cosla, representing all 32 local authorities, affirmed that authorities take safety seriously and have appropriate procedures in place.
The Scottish Government clarified that Martyn's Law is a reserved matter, falling under UK jurisdiction. The UK Government was contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
