A probe has been launched by Glasgow City Council to determine if any of the city's buildings contain a potentially dangerous concrete.

The investigation comes after over 100 schools and colleges in England were forced to close or partially close due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Prior to the RAAC crisis down south, the material had been identified in one Glasgow school in 2021, Whitehill Secondary.

Now, following government advice, the council has launched a full scale investigation into the city's buildings. 

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council has been following government advice to identify whether RAAC is present in school buildings.

"This is a four stage process and we have, at the first stage, been able to eliminate the vast majority of establishments across the city.

“While initial assessments have not established RAAC is present in any of the remaining buildings; it is important we follow a full and thorough process and second stage investigations are currently underway.

“We hope to conclude these this week and will move to the third stage if any buildings remain to eliminated.

“Prior to this, RAAC had previously been identified at Whitehill Secondary in 2021.

“Significant steps were put in place to monitor its condition and detailed inspections have shown no evidence of defects that could affect the integrity of the material.

“Remedial work has also been undertaken as a precaution - and in order to provide an alternative means of support for air conditioning units.

“The council will take any steps necessary to ensure the continued safety of the school.”

Meanwhile, a similar investigation is underway in North Lanarkshire after two buildings, a school and a community centre, were found to contain RAAC.

The school, Ravenswood Primary, has temporary support in place that meet structural standards set out by an engineer with permanent replacement works in the pipeline.

Both buildings are in operation and the works do not affect daily operations.

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We are currently undertaking a survey across our entire property estate to identify the presence of Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC).

"At this time it has been identified in two buildings and in line with guidance, precautionary works have been carried out.

"Our regular survey works continue across the remaining estate and will be part of an annual monitoring inspection by independent engineers.”

In East Dunbartonshire, no schools have been found to have RAAC but a further investigation is underway to confirm this.

Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive at East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “To date, no schools in East Dunbartonshire are known to contain RAAC materials and further detailed investigations have been instructed to confirm this position across the estate. 

"As with other local authorities, RAAC guidance provided by the Department for Education (2023) will continue to be used as the basis for assessing risk and any future remedial measures which may be required as a result of detailed investigations.”