A PUPIL at Scotland’s most expensive private school has been kicked out after turning up to church service high on ecstasy and foaming at the mouth.
The 16-year-old Russian student was taken to hospital after taking the class A drug before attending Sunday chapel service at £33,000-per-year Fettes College in Edinburgh.
Staff at the top independent school, whose past students include Tony Blair and controversial Edinburgh actress Louise Linton, found more ecstasy tablets in his room after the incident.
They later reported the youngster, who had only been at the school for one week, to the police.
Geoffrey Stanford, headmaster at the school, today revealed that the boy has been “permanently expelled” from the school.
Releasing a statement, Mr Stanford said: “The use of a Class A substance has shocked both pupils and staff.
“We are, however, in no way complacent and know this is a national issue. It is one which we treat very seriously.
“We therefore do a great deal of robust pro-active education with children through PSE lessons, in houses and through tutorial sessions.
“We emphasise and highlight the dangers associated with drugs as well as the consequences of their use.”
The statement concluded: “Anyone who buys, uses or distributes an illegal substance should expect to leave the school, irrespective of whether this takes place on campus or off.”
The pupil is believed to have attended the schools weekly Sunday chapel service following an afternoon out in Edinburgh.
It has been reported that he had used the drugs before joining Fettes College on August 30.
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, became prominent in the dance music scene in the 80’s.
People who take the illegal drug are said to feel energised and awake in order to dance for hours.
The pills, take around an hour to kick in and can last between three and six hours.
Short-term risks of ecstasy can include feeling anxious or getting panic attacks, and developing confused episodes, paranoia or even psychosis.
Ecstasy is rarely pure and can often be mixed with other substances which can often be fatal.
In 2009, Fettes were at the centre of another drug scandal when four pupils were expelled and 15 suspended after being caught smoking cannabis.
In 2002, another three pupils were expelled for smoking the same drug.
Last month, Fettes College was revealed to be the most expensive independent school in Scotland.
A police spokeswoman said they were aware of the alleged incident and were investigating.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating after a 16-year-old boy took unwell at a school on Sunday 10 September.”
The spokeswoman said the incident was reported to them the following day and that a report had been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
