Highland dad says potentially dangerous concrete in school is "extremely concerning"
Last updated 20th Jun 2023
A dad has hit out at the Highland Council after a potentially dangerous type of concrete was identified at two schools within the region.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was used in many public buildings across the UK between the 1950s and 1990s.
It's a light, bubbly form of precast concrete and according to the UK Department of Education, RAAC panels can "increase the risk of structural failure, which can be gradual or sudden with no warning"
Both Nairn Academy and Charleston Academy have been identified as having RAAC within their structures.
MFR News understands the local authority have known RAAC was in Nairn Academy since at least 2019, and Parent Council member Mark Gunn feels let down this hasn't been communicated with families.
Highland Council say engineers regularly check both Nairn and Charleston academies and haven't identified any areas that are at potential risk of collapse.
"They're keeping us in the dark" - Mark Gunn
In 2018, a national safety warning was issued after a Kent school's roof which was made from RAAC collapsed during a weekend when no one was present.
According to the Standing Committee on Structural Safety, RAAC planks have a lifespan of around 30 years.
The Nairn Academy building on Duncan Drive was opened in 1976, 47 years ago.
Mr Gunn, who has one child at Nairn Academy, feels the local authority should be communicating more about the issue with parents.
He said: "This material can collapse with no warning whatsoever.
"That of course in a school would be a complete disaster if it happened while it was occupied so it is extremely concerning that this material is present.
READ MORE: WATCH: Nairn Academy 'like a third world shanty town'
"It can now fail without notice.
"They're keeping us in the dark, when we have a reasonable right to know about this and what is being done about it.
"It's frankly just not good enough.
"I do understand the pressures they're under, but we need to be informed about things so people can make reasonable decisions.
"There are hundreds of parents out there and hundreds of pupils.
"They need certainty that it is safe to occupy and the only way of doing that is to get the engineers in and get it done immediately."
Nairn and Charleston subject to "regular and ongoing inspection"
Highland Council insist no areas are at risk of collapse at either Nairn or Charleston secondary schools
A spokesman said: “The Highland Council has two secondary schools that have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) components in their construction; Charleston Academy and Nairn Academy.
“These schools are subject to regular and ongoing inspection by Consultant Structural Engineers who have not identified any areas that are at potential risk of collapse.
"This is kept under review to ensure the safety of all building users.
"A replacement school building for Nairn Academy is included in Phase 2 of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme announced in December 2020, with capital funding for the project included in the Council’s current capital programme.
"A design masterplan has been prepared that sets out a long-term strategy for the redevelopment of the Charleston Academy campus and the eventual replacement of all the existing buildings.
"The masterplan is based on a new school building that can be constructed in a phased manner and funding for the first phase of the redevelopment is also included in the Council’s current capital programme."
Further Questions
MFR News also asked specific questions which the local authority answered.
Question: "If it is the case that Highland Council knew about RAAC in Nairn Academy since 2019, why weren't pupils and guardians informed sooner?"
Answer: “The Highland Council has a regular programme of 2 yearly inspection cycle of buildings of this construction type, with latest inspections in 2019 and 2021.
Consultant engineers did not identify any areas of potential risk at Nairn Academy.
"If the Council were to find risk associated with any of its properties it would act swiftly to prohibit use of the building and inform relevant stakeholders including parents as soon as possible”.
Question: "What work will be done over the summer to ensure the school is safe?"
Answer: “For the 2023 due inspection, a detailed survey of our RAAC containing buildings will be carried out during the summer recess and the Council expects to have the outcomes from that process shortly thereafter.
"It will then confirm the condition of the properties at that time and if this identifies any works required, at that point we provide updates on any next steps and proposed works.”
When we asked for clarity on whether they have known about RAAC in Nairn Academy since 2019, the local authority replied; “Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) components at both Charleston Academy and Nairn Academy form part of the fabrication of the building."