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One of Scotland’s leading pipers has been suspended from his job as a teacher over claims that he sexually assaulted a child.

Police are investigating allegations that 49-year-old Gordon Walker, regarded as the world’s best solo piper, attacked the young girl while teaching at a leading private school .

He is the second teacher in the past week to be suspended from St Columba’s School in Kilmalcolm, Renfrewshire, over sex abuse claims. The two cases are not related.

Head teacher David Girdwood said he contacted police himself about Walker after the girl’s parents reported the issue to staff.

He said: “The incident allegedly occurred at St Columba’s.”

Head of physics Iain Weir, 56, has also been suspended and reported to the procurator fiscal over alleged abuse claims.

Mr Girdwood admitted it had been a “horrendous” week for the prestigious school.

It’s understood Weir, who has taught at St Columba’s for 11 years, has been accused of assaulting a 15-year-old girl. The allegations go back 20 years.

Mr Girdwood said: “I was informed about the alleged incident on Saturday and as far as I understand that’s when the police acted.

“Iain Weir was suspended and has not been back in the school since.”

Police confirmed that Weir had been reported to prosecutors.

Walker, of Moscow, Ayrshire, has taught at the school for 12 years.

He was commissioned by the Braemar Royal Highland Society to compose a pipe march to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Police are looking into the Walker allegation and have confirmed they have received a sexual assault complaint. They said inquiries were ongoing and declined to say more.