Good news. Hot off the presses about Portlethen Academy, from Maria Walker, Aberdeenshire Council’s director of education.

She says: “Robertson’s Construction Eastern Ltd has confirmed that Portlethen Academy is safe for staff and pupils to return tomorrow (8 December) for business as usual.

“The company have been undertaking remedial works to address the issues that could affect the structure in exceptionally high winds and the work is continuing.

“Parents should be assured that the safety of all pupils and staff is the priority of Aberdeenshire Council and that all necessary assurances have been given by the company to allow this decision to be made in complete confidence.

“Parents are being informed through the school’s own communications and through social media.”

UPDATE Friday 8 December:

Maria Walker tells me: “We are continuing to discuss the decisions made yesterday with the company at chief officer level.  We understand parental concerns and the school will be communicating with parents about the works being done. Some remediation works were done and the company will be continuing with further work being planned for completion before the return from the festive break. The concern and the advice to close the school was as a result of the high winds warning which prompted the concern for safety yesterday.”