Plans to send children to a disused 1960s primary school while a huge housing development is built was at the centre of an angry row yesterday.
Stewart Milne Homes aims to build more than 3,000 homes in Countesswells, and earlier this week the UK Government announced an £86million guarantee to help the scheme go ahead.
As well as the housing, there will be two new primary schools, a secondary school, health facilities and shops.
But as the homes are being built, it is proposed incoming children are taught at the former Braeside School if the number exceeds 25. If not, they would be taught in a separate classroom within Airyhall School.
Last night, dubious members of the opposition SNP group tabled an 11th hour amendment calling for a review of the cost into the Braeside School plan, and asking for officers to make contingency arrangements.
They presented a file of photographs to committee members which they said showed the “woeful state” of the school.
The building – which opened in 1963 – is no longer in use, although was brought back to life when Hamilton School was closed in 2014.
SNP education spokesman Alex Nicoll claimed there were mushrooms growing inside, damp throughout and one of the rooms of the school supported by a piece of wood.
He said: “Would this be good enough for our children? It wouldn’t be for mine.
“Braeside is not fit for the 21st century.”
Councillor Neil Copland added: “This school isn’t fit for purpose – we need to make sure we are creating a good learning environment for our children.”
But administration members said the opposition was “playing politics” and pointed to the successful redevelopment of the school at short notice for the Hamilton School pupils.
Committee convener Angela Taylor said: “We will have plenty of time to make sure the school is fit for purpose and our officers wouldn’t advise that children should be sent to an unsuitable school.
“I will take no lessons from an SNP member whose party closed schools willy-nilly when in administration.”
The administration motion was carried.