Construction faults found in capital schools

SIX schools and a nursery are among a number of public buildings in Edinburgh where construction defects have been found following the shock closure of 17 schools two years ago.

It emerged yesterday that one in eight properties inspected by the council had thrown up similar issues to those that caused a wall to collapse at a city primary school in 2016. Now it can be revealed these include three primaries, two special schools, a secondary and a nursery, as well as two libraries.

Inspectors will examine hundreds more buildings across the capital over the next 18 months.

Nine tons of masonry fell from Oxgangs Primary School during Storm Gertrude in January 2016, with experts warning children could have been killed but for timing and luck.

Checks carried out at public buildings since then have uncovered 20 other examples of similar defects, which relate to ties used to secure walls. Faults have been discovered at Carrickvale Community Centre, Cramond, Currie and Towerbank primary schools, and Queensferry High.

Flora Stevenson Nursery and Gorgie Mills and Oaklands special schools were also affected, as well as Drumbrae leisure centre, Granton and Muirhouse libraries, Royston care home and Valley Park community centre.