Independent inquiry ordered into two Coatbridge schools following 'blue water' scandal

The Scottish Government's launching an "immediate, independent and impartial" review of health and safety concerns at two Coatbridge schools.

It Is after it emerged earlier this year there was high levels of copper in the drinking water - turning it blue.

Over the last six months children have been complaining of sickness, headaches and stomach aches.

It's also understood three teachers have been diagnoses with bladder cancer.

The review will be completed before the start of the new school year in August.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: "Mr Swinney said:

“There have been a number of significant concerns raised by families, teachers and elected representatives about the safety of the Buchanan and St Ambrose High School.

“I recognise that North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire have undertaken extensive work in an effort to address the concerns expressed by the local community.

“However in light of continuing concerns being raised, Ministers have agreed with North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire to immediately commission an impartial, independent review. This will assess existing evidence and determine if more needs to be done to further mitigate any concerns of pupils, their parents and staff and provide further reassurance to the local community.

“The review will be led by the Scottish Government’s Chief Planning Reporter, Paul Cackette, and Dr Margaret Hannah, a former Director of Public Health. It will be for these experts to assess exactly how long their work requires but we expect their findings as soon as practicable and before the start of the next academic year.”

North Lanarkshire Council has created a leaflet to provide further information and reassurance, which is available to download from the council website, and which will be delivered to all parents and carers this week.

Commenting on the review, North Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive Des Murray said:

“We welcome this review and the support of the Scottish Government in addressing the concerns of families, staff and the local community.”

NHS Lanarkshire Chief Executive Calum Campbell said:

“Following thorough investigations by our public health department we believe the schools to be safe. We welcome the review as an opportunity to provide even further reassurance to families, staff at the schools and the community. We look forward to working with the review team to support this work."

Ms Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“The NASUWT welcomes the review in principle and that the Scottish Government appears to be taking the issues at the school seriously.

“However, this does not remove the immediate pressures, anxieties and concerns of the teachers at the school and the NASUWT still believes that action needs to be taken, pending the outcome of this review, to address these concerns and alleviate the anxiety staff are facing, anxiety which we know will be shared by parents and the community.

“The review does not alter our position regarding the strike action we have proposed to take to safeguard the health and welfare of our members.”