June 18, 2009 15:00

Oasis gig in Scotland forces school to close

Parents express anger over early shutdown

Photo Gallery: Oasis
Photo: Dean Chalkley

Police in Scotland were forced to close a primary school early because of an Oasis concert.

Roseburn Primary in Edinburgh was shutdown at 12:15 (BST) yesterday (June 17) following advice from Lothian and Borders police over the numbers of people gathering and drinking in the area for the gig at nearby Murrayfield Stadium.

Some parents said the closure had caused problems over childcare because the school normally closes at 2:45pm.

Angela McGregor, 30, said she could not afford to take time off work to collect her five-year-old son, Robert, at lunchtime.

She told BBC News: "It's ridiculous that the school had to close early because of the Oasis concert. My son Robert lost half a day's education.

"If it was the Queen coming then fair enough. I'm a single parent and I had to make other childcare arrangements."

A spokesman for Edinburgh City Council defended the closure.

The spokesperson said: "We took the decision to close the school for the afternoon based on information we received from the police.

"We also know from past experience that the area will be very busy, access will be difficult and alcohol will be sold in the area."