Inverness Royal Academy has been forced to temporarily close after structural problems were identified.

It is understood the structural issue is in relation to an external chimney at the school. It was discovered during a routine inspection of the building.

With schools in the Highland Council area closing for the October holidays on Friday, the local authority has said the Inverness Royal Academy will not reopen until after the holidays.

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In a statement, head teacher Alastair McKinlay said: "We have informed parents and sent all pupils home this morning. We expect that the work will be completed over the holidays. and will inform parents of progress by the normal channels."

The school is due to be replaced by a new building in 2016. Work on the new academy has already commenced; it will be located in the grounds of the current school.

(JP/IT)