Staff and pupils were returning from a week-long ski trip to the Passo Tonale resort in northern Italy when the theft occurred, causing security officers at Milan Bergamo Airport to be called and the flight held on the runway.
The plane was only allowed to take off after a school staff member forked out €800 to cover the cost of the missing items.
One source, whose child was on the trip, told how other pupils were left shaken and distraught as officials threatened to delay the flight.
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They exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “The kids who were not involved in this, including my child, were really upset on the flight back home.
“Everyone is shocked at what has gone on. It’s not behaviour you expect from pupils attending such a well-regarded school. They really should know better and it’s totally unacceptable. The teachers were obviously shocked too as they had no idea what had happened until security arrived and told them the items had to be paid for or the flight wasn’t getting off the tarmac.”
The Glasgow Times understands that parents of the seven teens involved now being asked to reimburse the member of teaching staff.
The parent added: “The worst part is that those involved are now back on the football team and there doesn’t appear to be any disciplinary action being taken at all, so how are they supposed to learn a lesson? It just really sends out the wrong message.
“The pupils involved should face serious repercussions for the upset they caused to others. I’ve spoken to members of staff and parents who all feel that this should have been handled better and those involved suspended.”
(Image: Gordon Terris) Turnbull High School has been consistently ranked among the best in Scotland, with exam results regularly above the national average.
Another source said that senior staff have been left embarrassed by the incident.
They added: “This is among the best schools in Scotland and staff on the trip have been left shocked and totally red-faced by what has gone on. They expect senior pupils to know better and everyone feels a bit let down by their behaviour.
“Thankfully police did not have to get involved as everything was dealt with at the airport, but it really raises questions about any future trips and supervising pupils.”
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said that a full investigation is under way.
Greg Bremner, Chief Education Officer, said, “We are aware of the incident involving pupils at Turnbull High School. The school are taking this seriously and are in contact with parents to take appropriate action regarding this unacceptable behaviour.”