Perthshire schools to undergo fresh checks for structural defects

Move is a precautionary measure, says Perth and Kinross Council

Schools across Perth and Kinross will be further assessed for structural shortcomings in the wake of a stonework scare in Edinburgh.

Buildings throughout the capital were shut suddenly in 2016 after a wall collapsed at Oxgangs Primary.

At the time, Perth and Kinross Council said it had carried out “visual” inspections of its public-private partnership (PPP) schools, and there did not immediately appear to be any defects.

The Courier can reveal the local authority has now struck a £100,000 agreement for a more thorough examination of its school estate.

Glasgow-based firm FLN Consulting Engineers has been commissioned to carry out a series of assessments at several, undisclosed school buildings.

In the brief for the £108,000 operation, a council spokesman said: “The consultant is requested to undertake a commission involving visual surveys and/or intrusive surveys/ structural inspection work.

“The purpose of these structural assessments is to provide risk-based assurance to Perth and Kinross Council regarding the structural condition of its school estate following recent Edinburgh school masonry wall construction defects, and associated wall-tie deficiencies.”

FLN was one of three firms which applied for the contract.

The council spokesman said: “The programme of structural assessments for school buildings owned and run by Perth and Kinross Council is a precautionary measure which is considered good practice and will assist the council in determining the overall condition of the school estate.

“This programme is similar to that being managed by most, if not all, councils in Scotland and will include those buildings which were constructed under the PPP ‘Investment in Learning’ initiative.”

Lifelong learning convener Caroline Shiers said: “It is important, especially in light of issues other councils have experienced, that we ensure all the necessary precautions and checks are carried out as regularly and thoroughly as possible and, as a parent of a Perth and Kinross pupil, I find that reassuring.”

This programme is similar to that being managed by most, if not all, councils in Scotland ... SPOKESMAN FOR PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL