Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,699 companies....

Construction News

13/04/2017

Probe Finds Defects At More Than 70 Scottish Schools

Construction News Image
A BBC investigation has discovered over 70 Scottish schools have had construction defects similar to those found in Edinburgh schools last year.

The wall of Oxgangs Primary School collapsed in April last year, prompting the closure of 17 schools across the city to carry out repair works.

An independent report by industry expert Professor John Cole CBE concluded various issues were to blame, such as poor construction quality, insufficient independent quality assurance and ineffective quality industry assurance measures.

All the schools were built under a multi-million pound deal between the City of Edinburgh Council and a private finance consortium under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



Now, a BBC investigation has discovered at least 71 Scottish schools in 15 council areas have had to carry out similar remedial work as the schools in Edinburgh.

All local authorities in the country were asked by BBC Scotland if repair work involving wall ties or "significant structural issues" had been done at PPP schools, or others built under schemes such as non-profit distributing (NPD) or "design and build", in the past 18 months.

Once council, Moray Council, has confirmed two schools built under the PPP arrangements - Elgin Academy and Keith Primary – had work carried out, but this was part of regular programmed and reactive maintenance.

A spokesman said: "These maintenance works also encompass lifecycle works which involve the replacement and/or renewal of major plant.

"Together, the maintenance/lifecycle works are extensive and involve in excess of 1000 individual tasks, some of which involve the regular review of wall ties, header ties and other structural supports."

(LM)

Latest Construction News

15/04/2025
Construction of a £70 million student accommodation development at 292-298 St Vincent Street in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone, with the building now visibly rising from the ground. Drone footage has captured the progress of the project, which is a partnership between developer Artisa
15/04/2025
Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to confirm today (April 15) its finalised Connections Reform process, designed to expedite grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and crucial for achieving the UK's clean power targets for 2030 and beyond. The new connections system, anticip
15/04/2025
The ambitious transformation of Glasgow’s landmark George Square has moved into a tangible phase with the commencement of the erection of hoardings around the perimeter of the civic space. Starting today, the hoardings will enclose the Square for the duration of its 18-month redevelopment. The pane
15/04/2025
Members of the public are invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss the proposed infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between the Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire. The event will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 4 pm t
15/04/2025
Turner & Townsend have been appointed as project managers to develop a business case for the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond its current terminus at Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle. This key appointment will enable crucial work to progress on the project, including feasibility s
15/04/2025
Arran Community Renewables, a Community Benefit Society based on the Isle of Arran, has secured planning consent for a 6 MW solar farm. The Glenkiln Solar Farm, located approximately 1km west of Lamlash, is projected to generate 5,600MWh of clean renewable energy annually from 2027. The £5 million
15/04/2025
A new Route Map has been published by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) to ensure communities across Scotland secure tangible and long-lasting benefits from nature restoration projects and investment in the country's natural environment. The practical guide is designed for landowners, developers,
15/04/2025
Award-winning principal contractor Procast Group has further expanded its presence across Scotland with the opening of a new base in Dumfries. The Hamilton-based firm has invested £30,000 in a new warehouse and office facility in the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, marking it
14/04/2025
Glasgow City Council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) facilitated the completion of over 1,000 new affordable homes in the city during the past year, despite facing budgetary reductions at the start of the financial year. The initial grant of £78.687 million from the Scottish Government
14/04/2025
A key phase of Scottish Water's £11.5 million project to upgrade a strategic rising sewer main connecting Renfrew and Glasgow is set to begin, resulting in a significant road closure. From Monday, 28 April 2025, Ferry Road in Renfrew will be closed to all vehicular traffic for a period of four mont
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdJGasMaccaferri LtdAlternative Tying Systems LtdACCON UK LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedJGasJohnston Oils LimitedThe Big Block Co Ltd