Primary school closed for 'immediate' work on structural problem

Edinburgh City Council has closed a primary school after a routine health and safety check uncovered a structural problem.

The council said "immediate" building work is now required at St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, which has about 180 pupils.

It said the building will be closed from Tuesday as a "precautionary measure" but this does not affect the nursery, which is open as usual.

Children will now be sent to a few primary schools nearby from Wednesday - though these schools have not yet been confirmed.

Online learning will be available for all pupils during the move and details of the new arrangements will be shared with families later.

The council told the BBC it could not share further details on the nature of the structural problem.

St Cuthbert's, in Polwarth, has pupils attending from across the city.

Councillor James Dalgleish, the council's education, children and families convenor, acknowledged the news will be inconvenient for parents and carers.

He said: "Our priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of children in our care, and staff who work in the school.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families while our teams work to support and settle children into new learning environments this week.

"Regular updates will be provided to parents and carers via the St Cuthbert's Primary School website."