Pupils were allegedly pictures smoking cannabis

George Watson's College in Edinburgh launched an internal investigation after it received the images this week.

The photographs were found by a woman out walking at a beauty spot near a disused quarry in the Blackford area.

The school said the pupils had not been suspended as the incident caught on camera took place off the premises.

Principal Gareth Edwards said "appropriate action" had been taken in liaison with community police.

Sanctions imposed

He said: "George Watson's College operates a zero tolerance policy towards the supply or taking of drugs on school premises or on a school-related activity.

"As this took place in a private dwelling outwith school hours, the school has decided not to exclude pupils permanently.

"However, the sanctions imposed - which include suspension and a programme of random drug testing in the future - reflect the seriousness with which we regard this matter.