Gavinburn Early Learning Centre: Fire images show shocking scale of play hut damage

Children and staff at Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre are said to be "deeply saddened" by the incident which caused "significant damage" at the site.

Firefighters remained at the scene for nearly two hours on Saturday.

West Dunbartonshire Council announced that the nursery would not be able to open today (June 27) or tomorrow (June 28) as damage to the play area and the entrance to the ELCC as well as smoke damage within has made the site unsafe.

Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre will remain closed today (June 27) and tomorrow (June 28) due to "significant damage" caused by fire.

Firefighters responded to the scene in the Dumbarton Road area of the village at around 7.45pm on Saturday (June 25) to tackle the blaze. 

Crews left the area around two hours later after making it safe. 

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We received multiple calls at around 7.45pm on Saturday, June 25 to a play hut on fire outside Gavinburn Early Learning Centre in Old Kilpatrick.

"Operations control mobilised two appliances to the scene. There was minor damage to the school due to some fire spread. 

"Crews left the area at around 9.26pm. There were no injuries."

Damage to the play area and the entrance to the ELCC as well as smoke damage within has made the site unsafe.

WDC is now working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as well as Police Scotland.

A WDC spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the extensive damage to Gavinburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) caused by a fire at the weekend, and sorry to have had to close our doors to children before the scheduled end of term.

"Unfortunately due to significant damage in their play area, as well as at the entrance to the ELCC and smoke damage within, it is not currently safe to welcome our young people back.

"We are working closely with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, who are investigating the cause of the fire, and we would ask anyone with any information to contact 101 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Officers confirmed they are treating the fire as deliberate and that enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "An investigation is ongoing in relation to the wilful fire in the grounds of Gavinburn School on Saturday evening.

"We are very aware the impact this damage has on our community and will ensure we engage with partners to identify prevention opportunities.

"Please report ASB via 101."