LISTEN: Parents in Inverness and Nairn warned of pupils drug risk
Letter issued to parents following increased information surrounding "possible and actual" drug activity
A letter to parents of pupils at Inverness and Nairn secondary schools from Police Scotland and Highland Council has warned of a suspected increase in availability and taking of illegal drugs.
In the letter, Police Scotland and the Local Authority said that while it was not a new issue "the risks do seem to be more prevalent than previously" and evidence suggests "increased risk-taking behaviour"
Speaking to MFR News Highland Council education chief Bill Alexander said: "Our head teachers and schools take the safety and well-being of our children very seriously"
"We know that Highland is a safe place, but that doesn't mean we're complacent, and we believe it's good to talk to parents, to work with them to help our communities to keep safe"
"This is a preventative approach, we know we have drugs in our communities, we want to support children and families in their approach in dealing with this"
"Psychoactive substances are a concern. The chemical format changes and the name 'legal highs' makes some people think they're less dangerous, but in many cases - because we don't know much about them and what's in them - they can be much more harmful"
"Drugs aren't a new issue and we've had many issues over the years - some parents may recall instances when they were at school - but yes, from time-to-time but this isn't about any particular incident"
"This measure is about us being proactive, preventative, looking ahead, and working with parents to keep our children safe"