Raised radon levels detected in schools
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The Oban Times
� 28 Aug 2025 � �
By Sandy Neil editor @ obantimes. co. uk
Highland Council has found elevated levels of radioactive radon gas in nine of its properties ‐ including five schools, its headquarters and Lochaber Leisure Centre.
The findings come after testing 135 workplaces and public buildings across the council estate, in line with UK Health and Safety legislation.
Officials say the levels“ do not pose an immediate health risk.”
The affected properties are: Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William, Highland Council Headquarters, Crossroads Primary School, Dalneigh Primary School, Inverness High School, Kilchuimen
Academy, North
Kessock Primary School, Caithness House, and the Highland Archive Centre. Council officials confirmed that all buildings remain open and operational, with precautionary measures already in place. Thesee include increased ventilation, sealing of entry points, and restricting access to specific areas.
Finlay MacDonald, Chief Officer of Property and Assets, said:“ We are working closely with specialist consultants to ensure that all necessary mitigation measures are put in place.
Our priority is the safety of building users, and we are confident the steps being taken will effectively manage radon levels.” Dr Jenny Wares, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with NHS Highland, added:“ Radon is present in all air, and we all breathe in radon every day, usually at very low levels.
“ Exposure to higher levels over many years can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in those who currently smoke or who smoked in the past.
“ Whilst the increased risk to pupils or staff caused by exposure to radon while at school or the workplace is very low, measures have been put in place to reduce exposure.”