Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight material that was used between the 1950s and 1990s. Used for floors, walls, and flat roofing, RAAC is cheaper that standard concrete, but also has a shorter lifespan.
To date, RAAC has been identified in 40 school buildings across Scotland, although in some of those schools it is in parts of buildings that have not been in use for some time. Some parts of Stirling University have also been closed due to RAAC. Wherever RAAC has been found, mitigations have been put in place. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has confirmed that safety is the central consideration and that there is robust guidance that is followed by every local authority to ensure that those buildings are safe to be in for pupils, staff and the public.
Evelyn Tweed, MSP for Stirling, raised a question in Holyrood to clarify the time at which the Scottish Government was informed that the UK Government had changed its approach. In her answer, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said:
‘It is disappointing that we learned about the situation only on 31 August, and initially just through the media. It is important to have a frank conversation about how we found out about things, because we need such an approach to stop.
The Cabinet Secretary has asked the UK Government for further technical information, which they are yet to receive.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘This situation is concerning, and I’m pleased to see proactive steps being taken by affected organisations around Stirling. The safety of these buildings and the people in them is the most important thing, and I have been assured that the mitigations in place are in accordance with guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The UK Government prioritised briefing the media before sharing crucial information with devolved governments and local authorities, which is not just insulting, but downright dangerous.
I raised a question in the Parliament on this last week and have written to the council on the matter. I encourage constituents to raise any concerns by contacting my office at Evelyn.Tweed.MSP@parliament.scot
