Commenting on the closure of a number of schools in Edinburgh after concerns about the condition of their buildings, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the fastest growing teachers’ union in Scotland, said:

“The NASUWT’s first concern is the safety of students and staff and we welcome the fact that this has been the priority of the Council.

“Staff, pupils, parents and local communities will understandably be anxious about what this means for the future of the schools involved and it will be important that the Council and the Scottish Government keep everyone fully informed at all stages.

“While we appreciate the difficult situation in which the Council finds itself, the NASUWT will need clear information about the actions taken and the checks made.

“Everyone’s priority at the moment should be to support those involved.”