Dozens of tower blocks are without sprinklers

Plea for councils to retro fit the systems after Grenfell tragedy

Nearly 30 tower blocks across Tayside and Fife are not fitted with sprinklers, an investigation has revealed.

Councils in the area are now considering installing fire-fighting systems following calls for them to be placed in every high rise in the country.

A BBC investigation revealed there are 300 tower blocks across Scotland lacking sprinkler systems – 12 of them are in Fife, 10 in Dundee and six in Perth and Kinross. London’s Grenfell Tower did not have the sprinklers when it was engulfed in a fire that has claimed the lives of at least 80 people. It has been compulsory for new high-rise buildings to be fitted with the systems since 2005 in Scotland. But they do not have to be installed in older blocks.

Firefighters and politicians have called for them to be mandatory following independent research by Optimal Economics showing they can be 99% effective in fighting the spread of fire.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Alex Rowley said the Scottish Government should pay for the upgrades.

“Given the level of cuts to local authorities in recent years, the SNP Government must accept that it also has a responsibility not just to agree any improvements to safety in high-rise flats, but also to fund such programmes,” he said.

John Mills, head of housing services at Fife Council, said: “We are examining the feasibility of retro fitting sprinklers into our tower blocks. We will be working closely with the Scottish Government and with colleague heads of housing in other councils to inform this work.”

Mr Mills added they are confident their tower blocks are safe but are carrying out a review to reassure residents.

A Dundee City Council spokesman did not say whether they were looking at retro fitting of sprinkler systems. He added: “The council, in conjunction with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, carries out regular fire safety checks in all of its multi-storey blocks. The city council employs caretakers in its multi-storey blocks who also act to ensure that any potential fire hazards are minimised.”

Scottish ministers say the retro fitting of sprinklers will be considered in a review of fire legislation and building regulations.

Picture: PA. Grenfell Tower in west London.