'Danger concrete' RAAC found in PE block of Ayrshire school

North Ayrshire Council have confirmed that checks carried out this week identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the secondary school's PE block - which is separate to the main school.

An examination showed no immediate safety concerns - but as a precaution, access to the PE block will be restricted until further notice.

All children should attend Ardrossan Academy as normal on Monday, with alternative arrangements for PE provision beig made.

Ageing Ardrossan Academy has been earmarked for replacement for years and a new campus is set to be built by the town's North Shore.

However the project has been repeatedly delayed. Remediation work on the site - once part of the Shell refinery - is being carried out to remove any remaining toxic substances in the land. The new school is now predicted to open in 2026.

A  North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said today: “Along with other Scottish local authorities, we recently completed a review of all 65 buildings within the school estate to identify any presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

“This review has prioritised education premises and is ongoing across the remainder of the council’s wider property estate.

“The work has identified the presence of RAAC in only one location within the entire school estate - the PE Block within Ardrossan Academy - which is separate to the main building.

"The report from our structural engineers confirmed that there were no immediate safety concerns, and a further intrusive inspection was commissioned to provide additional assurance that annual monitoring would be sufficient.

RAAC concrete (Image: Newsquest)

“We continue to follow advice from our independent structural engineers, relevant professional and regulatory bodies, and the Scottish Government on the matter.

“However, as a precaution, in light of the events elsewhere in the UK in the last 24 hours, we have opted to restrict access to the PE Block within Ardrossan Academy temporarily pending completion of the further inspection.

"All children should attend Ardrossan Academy as normal on Monday, with alternative arrangements for PE provision in place."

The revelation comes just days after Stevenston's Auchenharvie Academy reopened after legionella bacteria was found in the school's water supply days before the new term began.

'Danger concrete' RAAC was used in roofs, floors and walls in many UK schools between the 1950s and 1990s.

South Ayrshire Council yesterday revealed that they found panels of RAAC cladding in one non-school building and remediation work is now being carried out.

East Ayrshire Council said RAAC panels were "not an issue" in their schools and other occupied parts of buildings, but added: "A small number of non-operational areas of buildings have been identified with RAAC panels and remedial work and monitoring put in place."

RAAC is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete - and because it's aerated, or "bubbly", it is less durable, with a limited lifespan of around 30 years.

The Scottish government has said that where it is found, remedial work could include the closure of impacted rooms or sections of the building and the use of temporary, modular provision for pupils to ensure the continuity of education.

It has also stressed that pupils will not be taught in the parts of buildings where the concrete is considered a risk.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: "We have carried out an inspection of all properties, schools and public buildings and have found RAAC in relation to one non-school building.

"A structural inspection has been undertaken and the council is carrying out a few identified remediation works from this survey.

"Thereafter scheduled inspections will be undertaken to monitor this going forward."

East Ayrshire Council said they continued to assess and monitor the fabric and structure of their estate on an ongoing basis.

A spokesperson said: "The council can confirm that, to date, RACC panels are not an issue for any of our schools or public buildings.

"Investigations and assessments have been undertaken with a small number of non-operational areas of buildings been identified with RACC panels and remedial work and monitoring put in place."