Rev David Keddie, who was invited to talk to the pupils last Wednesday, spoke about the earthquake which had happened the same day in parts of England and said 'it couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of people'.

One pupil's father, who is English and didn't wish to be named for fear of his son being bullied, said: "I just can't believe that someone from a church, a person who has a high social stature, would say something like this.

"I am not the only English parent with a child at the school, there are many, and lots of them are furious. Schools are trying to promote the anti-bigotry message and when someone says something like this it really isn't helpful.

"It's basically teaching children to hate the English. It's totally unacceptable and I would hope that the school would take a tough stance on this."

One mum said: "Many of us are very upset about this. We don't want our children growing up thinking it's okay to talk badly about the English.

"This isn't a criticism of the school, the headteacher does a fantastic job and we are sure she doesn't condone comments like this."

Rev Keddie said: "I was spoken to immediately after the assembly by an upset mother.

"I fully appreciate that I had offended her and what I said wasn't meant to be offensive. It was a throwaway remark which did generate a few laughs.

"But I understood that she was offended and I profusely apologised to her.

"I also apologised to the headteacher saying I was sorry if I had offended anyone else.

"I realise that the children in Baljaffray Primary School come from a wide range of backgrounds and that the headteacher and staff have worked very hard to create an ethos of inclusion.

"Clearly anything that damages that is much to be regretted."

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