Scottish Conservatives call for more school asbestos removal funding
Over 1700 Scottish schools were found to contain asbestos
The Scottish conservatives are asking the government to back their call for more council funding for schools to remove asbestos.
According to figures obtained by the party, around 1745 school buildings in Scotland contain asbestos, even after around two hundred and seventy were able to remove the fibre last year.
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for education, Stephen Kerr thinks it’s because of a lack of resources that schools are not able to renovate.
He said: “these findings fly in the face of education supposedly being the SNP's top priority.
"Asbestos is toxic and can have fatal consequences for those exposed to it.
"Parents will naturally be very concerned at the sheer number of schools known to have it within their estate.”
Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but buildings which have not been upgraded since then may still contain it.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the hazard of asbestos and the risks to health it poses.
"However, asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed, which is why it is important it remains in-situ while it is in 'good' condition, and that all Health and Safety Executive guidance is followed when planning and carrying out any removal.”
According to the government this is the case for managing asbestos in schools UK wide.
The spokesperson stressed that “school buildings across Scotland are in their best condition since recorded figures began.”
Holyrood says it has a £2 billion investment in schools which will help local authorities deal with issues in schools.
Mr Kerr finished by saying “everything should be done to secure the long-term wellbeing of pupils, teachers and support staff.”