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Scottish council spends £10m fixing RAAC in schools
CM Staff
West Lothian Council is to spend £10m fixing structural issues at three of its primary schools.
The Scottish schools are: Knightsridge Primary in Livingston; Windyknowe Primary in Bathgate; and Our Lady’s Primary in Stoneyburn.
An example of RAAC used in a school (from the UK government guide on managing the material)
Detailed surveys and inspections are taking place before a timetable for works is agreed. Further investigations are also ongoing at a fourth school, St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn.
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Many of the structural issues concern the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels. The government issued guidance at the end of last year to help schools risk assess and manage this material.
Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: “This £10m investment programme will address historic construction issues in our school buildings and ensure they can continue to service their local communities for many years to come.”
Work at Knightsridge Primary will involve a complete replacement of the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels at a cost of £6.7m.
Following a structural report in November last year pupils were relocated to neighbouring schools.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels are a concern (from the UK government guide on managing the material)
A £2m programme at Windyknowe school will remove RAAC panels in the nursery and part of the first floor.
Remdial works costing £1.3m at Our Lady’s Primary in Stoneyburn will include replacing concrete lintels.
Education is a devolved power in Scotland. UK Education unions in sounded alarm last week about the lack of investment in schools, and that some were at risk of collapse according the Department for Education‘s own research.
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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