Two Highland schools at risk from potentially dangerous concrete, report claims

Two schools in the Highlands contain a potentially dangerous concrete putting them at risk of collapse, according to a report.

It comes amid growing concerns across the UK about the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) which is liable to crumble.

The material, a cheaper option than traditional concrete, was used in construction between the 1950s and the 1990s, especially in public sector buildings including schools. A lightweight form of concrete, it is usually found in roofs and occasionally in walls and floors.

But there is now growing concern about the potential risk to buildings where it was used.

A report in The Times states dozens of Scottish school buildings are at risk of collapse with local authorities facing a bill for hundreds of millions of pounds to remove RAAC.

Its investigations have identified at least 37 schools in 11 areas but it states the true number is likely to be higher with investigations ongoing across the country.

It said Highland council reported two schools as having the material fitted.

Dumfries and Galloway has the highest number of schools affected, with the material found in nine buildings while seven cases were found in Aberdeen.

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