A TEACHER at Loretto School in Musselburgh has been suspended after allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

A senior member of the teaching staff has been suspended as the school and the Care Inspectorate investigate the allegations.

Details of the complaint have not yet been confirmed, although it is understood to relate to inappropriate contact between a member of staff and a senior pupil.

Dr Graham Hawley, the school’s headmaster, said the allegations related to behaviour that was not tolerated at the school.

Mr Hawley said: “As headmaster and as a parent, I am deeply disturbed by these allegations and I take them very seriously.

"The alleged behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in our community. It is everything that we are not.

“As soon as the allegations were brought to us we took action.

“We alerted the police, we alerted the Care Inspectorate, we instigated an internal investigation, we suspended the member of staff in question.

“The school has undertaken extensive work to ensure it is as safe an environment as it is possible for a school to be. We have built a culture in which pupils can feel empowered to come forward, to seek and find the support they need in situations like this.”

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate confirmed an investigation was under way.

He said: “We have been notified by Loretto School of an allegation involving a member of staff.

"We are working closely with the school.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “A report was received. Inquiries were carried out and no crime was identified.”