A total of 17 schools have been closed in Edinburgh due to concerns over their structural safety.

Thousands of pupils are unable to return to classes after a number of primary, secondary and special needs schools were shut over worries of the standard of their construction.

Edinburgh City Council said more detailed structural surveys will be carried out over the course of this week, with updated information being confirmed as early as possible.

The schools were built by Miller Construction over 10 years ago under a private partnership contract.

-- Advertisement --

The councils Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, said: "The safety of children and our staff is our main priority and I’m simply not willing to compromise on this. I fully recognise the significant inconvenience to parents caused by these closures but I am sure they will understand why we had to take these steps."

"Officers are continuing to work on contingency arrangements and we will provide regular updates to parents and carers as and when further information becomes available."

Education Secretary Angela Constance added: "The safety of children, young people and staff in our schools is paramount, and I recognise the concern of parents. I am reassured by the prompt action taken by Edinburgh City Council.

"It is too early to assess any wider implications for schools in other parts of Scotland. However, Scottish Government officials have written to all local authorities this weekend to ask them to carry out any necessary checks on their own estate as soon as possible."

(LM)