FMQs: 'Blue water' concerns will be fully addressed says Nicola Sturgeon

Ruth Davidson raised concerns about the blue water scandal at two Coatbridge high schools in today's First Minsiter's Questions.

She said the Scottish Government was determined to ensure all contamination concerns at the Buchanan and St Ambrose high schools campus were fully investigated and addressed,

The issue, which will see teachers go on strike, was raised by Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson at today's First Minister's Quesions in Holyrood. Health fears were raised after blue water came from taps at the Coatbridge schools, which are built on a former landfill site.

Buchanan High was closed to pupils on Thursday but North Lanarkshire Council has insisted the schools and site are safe. An independent review was set up last week to investigate.

Ms Sturgeon said there was a duty to convince parents of pupils at that the site is safe. "I fully understand the concerns of parents, staff and pupils at the school and I am determined, as the Government is determined, to do everything necessary to allay those concerns, address any issues and re-establish confidence," she said.

"That is why we have established the expert review team to carry out a thorough independent investigation. It will have the ability to look into any relevant matter."

The review team visited the school on Wednesday and is expected to conclude its work before the end of the summer holidays. Ms Sturgeon said it will consider what further tests of pupils, staff and the site itself are required.

Ruth Davidson said: "I think it's important that we put on record that both the council and the NHS board are insisting that the site is safe. But the First Minister will know that confidence among parents is low and that many feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. Trust, transparency and good communication should be the key to dealing with these issues. The Buchanan High School case almost looks like a case study in how not to deal with the public."

Ms Sturgeon responded: "Let me say first of all, and say this very directly, to parents at the school that their concerns are being taken by me and by this Government extremely seriously.

"We will not rest until we have ensured that all issues have been properly investigated, that any issues identified are addressed and that every single parent of a child at St Ambrose or Buchanan High has confidence in sending their children to school."

The First Minister added: "The intention here is to get to a position where we assure parents about the safety of the school that their children go to. It is the view of the NHS board and the local authority that the school is safe for pupils to attend but it's not enough for us to say that - we have a duty to convince and assure parents of that and that is what we are determined to do."