Strange case of lights left on in empty school

Electric lights are being left on inside the old Dalkeith High School building — to protect vandals and intruders from hurting themselves.

The council revealed: "The old Dalkeith High School site has been under offer to Wimpey Homes since November 2004 and responsibility for the security of the listed building currently lies with the council."



"A risk assessment was carried out on the property at the time of closure."

"This resulted in the boarding up of all ground floor windows to prevent access, retention of an operating burglar alarm and the carrying out of daily inspections of the property."

"Some lights — including some on timers — are left on during the winter months to protect potential intruders from fall hazards. Midlothian Council as owners of the property have an obligation to do this under duty of care."