UPDATE: Specialist advice sought for red mites infestation at Inverness school
Highland Council is seeking environmental health advice to deal with an infestation of red mites at an Inverness secondary school.
It emerged yesterday that the pests had been discovered at Charleston Academy.
Headteacher Michael Aitchison has written to parents and carers of the 777-pupil school to tell them the school is not going to reopen until after the summer holiday.
It remains unclear whether the red mites are blood-sucking ectoparasites that are linked to poultry or red spider mites which feed on plants.
It is understood council officials are currently assessing the building so don’t have a cost for whatever action is required.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “A decision has been taken to close Charleston Academy at the end of the school day yesterday as a precautionary measure due to the presence of red mites within the school building.
"Please be assured that environmental health advice is being sought and appropriate action will be taken over the summer period to eradicate the pests.
"Online learning will be available for pupils as per their current timetable. We look forward to welcoming staff and pupils back into the building on their return from the summer break.”
