Storm damages Portobello High School roof as river bursts its banks

PUPILS have been sent home from Portobello High School following extensive storm damage to the roof, while heavy rain and winds battered the Lothians

• River Tyne bursts its banks and powercuts force closure of three schools

• Historic pub flooded for second time since July

Parents received a text message shortly after their children arrived at the school this morning informing them that the school was closing. The damage is being assessed and it is not yet clear when the school will reopen.

Meanwhile, power cuts forced the closure of two schools in East Lothian and one in Midlothian this morning.

Pupils were sent home from Yester Primary in Gifford and the Lochend Campus of Dunbar Primary School, with St Andrew’s Primary in Gowkshill, Gorebridge, also closing.

There are also concerns about the level of the River Tyne in Haddington.

Flooding was reported on the A68 near Soutra.

As the tide rose the River Tyne burst its banks at Haddington. Reports say some businesses were flooded.

The community is used to dealing with weather disasters after being hit by storms in July which flooded the town’s 17th Century Waterside Bistro.

The pub is still recovering after last month’s storms thanks to the help of 80s singer Fish, frontman of rock band Marillion, who was due to play a benefit gig at the bar on Friday to fund its refurbishment.

Fish, 54, who lives nearby, said: “The pub is completely flooded again. Luckily there hasn’t been all that much damage because we were still waiting for the insurance company to pay out so it could be refurbished in time for Christmas.

“The pub had only just dried out from the first time but now we have to wait for it to dry out before any work can begin.

“Flooding in Haddington is a problem that needs addressing. The July flood was a surprise but we always have problems in September and nothing has been done to prevent it.”

The A766 was closed in both directions between the A702 and the Silverburn junction because of subsidence. Traffic is being diverted along Hopelands Road.

St Andrews Primary closed due to a power cut after wind and rain battered the county overnight.

The weather has also left 162 homes in Gorebridge without power. The authorities say they aim to have power restored by late afternoon.

Residents and drivers are being asked to continue to take special care when travelling today as a Met Office yellow warning for heavy rain remains in place.

Gusts of up to 43mph are expected in the early afternoon although the winds should die down later in the day.