Builders 'cut corners' putting safety at risk in Edinburgh schools
MSPs have been investigating why a wall collapsed at Oxgangs Primary, forcing 17 schools to shut.
The safety of children was put at risk when builders cut corners while constructing new schools in Edinburgh, according to a group of MSPs.
They've been investigating why nine tonnes of masonry fell from a wall at Oxgangs Primary during a storm last year which resulted in the closure of 17 schools for safety checks.
The crisis caused huge disruption for families as pupils were moved to emergency classrooms.
A previous independent inquiry by Professor John Cole found that only timing and luck meant there were no injuries or deaths at Oxgangs,
Holyrood's Education and Skills Committee took evidence in its own inquiry into the safety of Scotland's schools and its report said construction of all new public buildings needs "rigorous oversight".
The report says the incident at Oxgangs is an 'embarrassment' for the construction industry and it must take the Cole Report as a starting point from which to improve practice right across the industry.
The committee called on the Scottish Government to ensure public procurement guidelines mean "contractors do not compromise safety for the sake of speed or reducing costs".
To boost oversight and ensure safety, the committee recommends a Clerk of Works be part of every public sector building project.
It is also seeking confirmation from official bodies that they have taken action to ensure college and university buildings in Scotland are safe.
Committee convener James Dornan said: "The committee found that school walls have had to be repaired at sites across Scotland.
"While the committee is glad that these faults have been identified and fixed, it is shocking that some of the buildings we have been sending Scotland's children to learn in have not been safe.
"Professor Cole's report provides a clear path to how we can improve and learn from these past mistakes.
"It is vital that every public body, university and college learn these lessons and ensure that our buildings are safe.
"There needs to be a change in thinking in some local authorities. Responsibility for public safety must be taken seriously and it not something that can be contracted out"