Presence of aerated concrete confirmed in three Dumfries & Galloway Schools
The Council are awaiting results of investigations in two further schools
Last updated 5th Sep 2023
The presence of potentially dangerous concrete has been confirmed in three schools in Dumfries & Galloway.
Council inspections identified the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels after structural engineers looked into nine schools.
Laurieknowe Primary, Carrutherstown Primary, and Dumfries Academy have all been confirmed as having the potentially problematic building material.
It’s understood any remedial work will take place out with school hours.
Results from inspections in Kirkcudbright Academy and Gatehouse Primary are still to be confirmed.
Concern has been raised around the lightweight concrete, with the building material showing significant potential to deteriorate.
It has also been linked with the collapse of roof panels within an operational school back in 2018.
The Council are taking the matter seriously
In a statement The Council said: “Earlier this year, in common with many local authorities across the UK, Dumfries and Galloway Council identified that some buildings we own had the potential to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
“The Council commissioned consulting engineers to undertake detailed inspections of nine schools as a matter of urgency.
“The inspections centred on confirming the presence of RAAC panel systems; assessing their span, width, thickness and condition; and quantifying the number of panels.”
Further inspections are taking place at Kirkcudbright Academy and Gatehouse Primary this week.
The Council said: “As soon as we have the reports, we will immediately let the parents, pupils, carers and staff at the two schools know the findings.
“The safety of the children and education colleagues who use these properties is our paramount concern and we will take all necessary measures to ensure this.
“In addition, survey work is being undertaken across the rest of our council estate to investigate and identify any further buildings that may have these panels fitted – to which the same structural engineering inspection and reporting regime will be applied.”
For anyone concerned about the findings and ongoing inspections, further information is available on a dedicated webpage.