A stark warning has been issued to Scottish councils after a school ceiling collapse in Aberdeenshire exposed potential risks with certain roof trusses. The incident, which occurred at Slains School in Collieston, has sparked urgent inspections and concerns over structural safety in other schools across the region.
Structural Failure Before School Hours
It was sheer luck that no one was harmed when the ceiling at Slains School came crashing down on March 10. The collapse happened before pupils arrived, preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy.
A confidential Aberdeenshire Council report, seen by BBC Scotland News, pointed to “deficiencies in the poorly constructed roof trusses” as the primary cause. These trusses, dating back to the school’s construction in 1967, were deemed structurally weak.
The night before the incident, the headteacher noticed changes in the ceiling’s appearance. The area was cordoned off, and only the headteacher was present when the collapse occurred the next day.
Widespread Inspections Launched
The collapse triggered immediate action, with authorities scrambling to assess other schools with similar roof trusses. The council confirmed that:
- Seven other schools had the same Timber Development Association (TDA) trusses as Slains.
- A total of 21 schools across Aberdeenshire had TDA roof construction.
- Nine of these schools underwent detailed inspections by structural engineers.
- Further assessments are planned for an additional 12 schools.
Initial findings from these inspections suggested no systemic issues, but the full scale of the risk remains under review. Meanwhile, Slains School’s 22 pupils have been relocated to Port Erroll School in Cruden Bay, six miles away.
A Legacy of Post-War Construction
The report shed light on the origins of the TDA trusses, which were developed in the 1950s when material shortages influenced construction techniques. While these trusses were widely used, they are now showing vulnerabilities over time.
“The primary cause of the partial roof collapse can be attributed to deficiencies in the poorly constructed roof trusses at the time of installation,” the report stated. Notably, there was no evidence of water damage or prior warning signs of imminent failure.
Across the UK, a search for similar failures yielded little. The only comparable case was a timber truss failure in a school in 2012, but that was attributed to heavy snow rather than structural defects.
Demolition Likely for Slains School
Aberdeenshire Council has indicated that demolishing Slains School is the most viable option. With structural integrity compromised, repairing the building may not be a feasible solution.
Beyond the seven schools initially flagged, authorities have identified 37 more schools where the roof type is unclear. These will undergo further surveys to determine whether they pose similar risks.
Government Response and Next Steps
In response to growing concerns, the Scottish government has been briefed and pledged support to assist affected schools. A council spokesperson stated: “The primary contributing factors were insufficient fixings, additional loading from modifications since the school was built, and workmanship during the original construction.”
While investigations continue, school officials and parents remain on edge, waiting for clarity on the safety of other buildings. The focus now shifts to ensuring no other schools are at risk of sudden structural failure.
