AN Inverness school has announced its immediate closure until after the summer holidays due to a red mites infestation.
Charleston Academy notified parents and carers of pupils on Thursday that the school would close at the end of day as a “precautionary measure” in the face of the infestation and would not reopen until after the summer holidays.
It remains unclear whether the red mites are blood-sucking ectoparasites that are linked to poultry or red spider mites which feed on plants.
Mites are harmless to humans and animals, but inside buildings, they can be a nuisance.
The insect can affect humans by crawling onto the skin and causing irritation which can result in a rash and itching. Environmental health advice is being sought by the secondary school on how to eradicate the mites.
The ageing campus is set to be knocked down and rebuilt in stages.
An asbestos discovery four years ago prompted a floor closure. At the time, Highland Council was criticised by Kate Forbes MSP for having “the worst school estate in Scotland” despite figures revealing the local authority has received the second largest sum of funding across Scotland from the Scottish Government.
Headteacher Michael Aitchison stated in his letter to the parents and carers to 777-pupils: "A decision has been taken to close Charleston Academy at the end of the school day today as a precautionary measure due to the presence of red mites within the school building.
"With effect from Monday, June 26 until the end of the session on Thursday, June 29, online learning will be available for pupils as per their current timetable."
He added: "Please be assured that appropriate action will be taken over the summer period to eradicate the red mites from the school building.
"We apologise for any inconvenience that the closure of the school has caused and look forward to welcoming your young person back to school at the start of session on Tuesday, August 15."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “A decision has been taken to close Charleston Academy at the end of the school day yesterday as a precautionary measure due to the presence of red mites within the school building.
"Please be assured that environmental health advice is being sought and appropriate action will be taken over the summer period to eradicate the pests.
"Online learning will be available for pupils as per their current timetable. We look forward to welcoming staff and pupils back into the building on their return from the summer break.”
