New Scottish building standards including more stringent fire safety provisions for external wall cladding systems will come into force on 1 October, the Scottish Government has announced.

Under the new standards fire safety will be strengthened in new high rise buildings while facilities for people with disabilities will be improved in larger new buildings.

Additional escape stairs and the introduction of evacuation alert systems and storey identification signs will also help fire and rescue services in the unlikely event of a partial or full-scale evacuation.

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Publishing the new building standards, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "The tragic events at Grenfell Tower just over two years ago was a painful reminder how important building and fire safety is. 

"That is why we established our Ministerial Working Group and undertook a thorough and critical review of the regulations we have in place. I'm pleased to see the first phase of this work completed and changes to the building standards and guidance published today.

"In addition, I am delighted this new guidance will help to increase the provision of much needed Changing Places Toilets, following our consultation earlier this year. This will improve the lives of thousands of families who are severely restricted by a lack of facilities and as a result find themselves excluded from their communities and travel.

"We want to see greater accessibility in all areas of Scotland, and I would encourage all businesses and organisations to help make this a reality for people."

(MH/JG)