An Aberdeenshire school previously found to have structural defects was closed yesterday amid concerns over the safety risks posed by external masonry fixings.
Portlethen Academy was built under a public-private partnership programme and was among nine north-east schools identified as having similar issues to Edinburgh institutions which were closed.
The defects found were not as severe as those discovered in the capital and remedial works began in the summer.
However, on advice from facilities management company Robertson Eastern, the shire schools chief took the decision to keep pupils away.
One local councillor said it was “worrying” that sufficient doubt remained about the possible risk to pupils to force the closure.
Explaining the decision, director of education Maria Walker said: ““The PPP contractor provided reassurance that the school remained safe for use. However, given the high winds forecast for today, the council was advised that there was a need to close Portlethen as a precaution. This was to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff.
“Remediation works to all other schools have been completed.”
Concerns were raised in the capital after the collapse of a large wall at the Edinburgh’s Oxgangs Primary in January 2016.
Portlethen councillor Ian Mollison said he was glad a cautious approach was used, but commented: “It is worrying that there still are such doubts about the building – it is action that is required to complete remedial work – and quickly.”
A spokesperson for Robertson Eastern said: ““As remedial works have begun at the academy, it was decided that the best way to ensure the safety of pupils and staff was to temporarily close the school. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
The school is expected to open as usual today.