Structural issues at a number of Edinburgh schools will take up until August to repair, it has been announced.

A total of 17 schools were shut last month amid safety concerns after serious building defects were discovered.

Construction of the schools was delivered by a number of contractors under a multi-million private finance deal in 2005.

Three of the schools are set to reopen next month, with remediation work due to completed on another five in June.

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Council Leader Andrew Burns said: "Being able to reopen three schools next month and a further five in June is a positive step forward and means over 4,000 pupils should be back in their schools before the end of the summer term.

"The planned programme of remediation works from Edinburgh Schools Partnership gives everyone a clearer picture of when schools will reopen and I am sure parents will welcome the news.

"The safety of our children is our number one priority and we all want our schools to reopen safely, as soon as possible.

"We will continue to work with ESP and their partners to ensure all work and quality checks are completed, so we can update parents as quickly with information about their schools."

(LM)