Roof damage in high winds forces closure of nursery school in Montrose

Toddlers were evacuated from a nursery on Wednesday as high winds destroyed its roof.

The children were led out of First Steps Nursery on John Street, Montrose, after a 50ft sheet of copper became dislodged.

The tots took shelter in the Links Hotel as they waited for concerned parents to take them home.

Nursery co-owner Roberta Taylor said nobody had been injured during the incident and the school would reopen today.

She added: “We evacuated because a section of the roof wasn’t safe and the road was cordoned off. It seems the wind has just picked up and blown the whole section right off for some reason.”

Police attended the scene at around 1.30pm and the roads remained shut until early evening.

Engineers from Angus Council were called in to ensure the area was made safe.

The adjoining Showcase the Street dance studio also sustained damage and had to close for the evening.

Chairman Fergus Storrier said: “We run classes from 5pm to 9pm on a Wednesday but there is restricted access to the road so we have had to cancel.

“We are working towards a show in Montrose Town Hall on June 16 so this puts us up in the air a wee bit in terms of time for rehearsals.”