Schools forced to close after big freeze causes havoc

Sub-zero temperatures bring burst pipes, floods and faulty heating after holidays

By Jane Candlish

Published:

Sub-zero temperatures played havoc with plumbing and heating systems in schools across the Highlands on the day pupils went back after the Christmas holidays.

Hundreds of youngsters were given an extra day’s holiday when staff returned to work to find water flooding from ruptured plumbing.

The Highlands was worst hit, with 15 primary schools affected, while local authorities in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city each reported one school closure.

Engineers and contractors visited the affected Highland schools yesterday to assess and repair the damage.

Highland Council’s education director Hugh Fraser said: “Guidance is issued annually prior to the Christmas holiday, and staff take all possible precautions in relation to the fabric of school buildings.

“In the Highland area we have had a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures which has led to some frost damage in 12 schools.

“These are largely older buildings, and in rural settings. The vast bulk of our 215 school buildings are fully functional and have not suffered any damage. Council staff have responded very quickly and have been working to repair and reinstate the affected areas.”

Primary schools that suffered burst pipes were Reay in Caithness, Ardross in Easter Ross, Lochinver, St Clement’s at Dingwall, Abernethy, Beauly, Cannich Bridge and Tomnacross at Kiltarlity.

Those that had faulty heating were Lairg, Park Primary at Invergordon, Ferintosh and Tarradale on the Black Isle, and Central and Muirtown in Inverness.

Firefighters attended Lochinver Primary yesterday morning and burst the ceiling to allow water to drain away. Invergarry Primary was also closed because of burst pipes in a demountable (temporary) building. Pupils will be taught in a different room until repairs are carried out.

A council spokeswoman said there was flooding at Dingwall Town House after pipes burst in the attic. It is understood the damage has spread down two floors and community classes due to be held in the building will be switched to other buildings. In Moray, Pilmuir Primary at Forres, which has around 185 pupils, had burst pipes.

Classes will be disrupted until next week. The nursery class, and primaries 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 are being taught at the Pilmuir buildings, while from tomorrow classes 4 and 6 will be held at Applegrove Primary, also at Forres. Pupils will be transported from Pilmuir to the alternative school. The school’s breakfast club has also been cancelled until further notice.

A Moray Council spokes-man said: “It is hoped that repairs will be carried out to allow the school to reopen as normal next week, although the situation will be kept under review.

In Aberdeenshire, faulty heating closed Rhynie School, while in Aberdeen city, nursery pupils at Milltimber School were sent home until the heating is repaired.

Elsewhere Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin remains out of action after a frozen pipe burst and flooded the building. Around 20 operations were postponed after operating theatres were damaged on December 30.

The lowest temperatures recorded by the Met Office were -11C at RAF Kinloss on December 31, and -7C at RAF Lossiemouth on December 29. Freezing fog kept the temperatures at around -3C from December 28 through to January 1.