Calls have been made for urgent action at a north school after classes were disrupted by a leaking roof.
Contractors were on site yesterday at Alness Academy, which has previously been described as the “worst school building in the Highlands”.
Leaks have sprung up in classroom and stairwell putting the affected areas out of use.
The school is due to be replaced in 2020 with a new building – but local councillors are demanding urgent action to protect pupils.
Alness-based Councillor Carolyn Wilson described the situation as “completely unacceptable” and raised concerns about the safety of the building for staff and pupils.
She saw the damage for herself yesterday morning and described how water was running through the damaged section of the building, close to electrical equipment and storage heaters.
She said: “The school is just falling to bits.
“We had all of the delays for funding for the new school which they finally announced a few months ago but in the meantime the building is falling apart.
“It’s not safe in the current condition. The new school isn’t due until 2020 but we can’t leave things as they are just now until then, it’s just completely unacceptable.”
She added that staff at the school are “at the end of their tether” with the building problems.
Fellow Cromarty Firth member Councillor Martin Rattray said: “All of the local members have serious concerns about the state of Alness Academy.
“We have been trying for four, nearly five, years to get this off the ground yet we are still at the design stage.
“I feel we shouldn’t be in this position. Every child deserves to have their education in a decent building where they are warm and safe.”
Funding for a new Alness Academy was announced by the Scottish Government earlier this year.
It is expected to cost around £20million, with the existing building due for demolition when it is replaced.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “There have been roof leaks in a stairwell area and a classroom area of Alness Academy which has put the affected areas out of use.
“The council has arranged for internal electrics to be checked and tested and are on site this afternoon with a roofing contractor to agree the extent of roofing work that will be necessary to keep the building watertight for the next four years.
“The school is due for demolition in 2020 when a new academy should be completed.”
