ASBESTOS is in nearly every school in West Dunbartonshire but poses no risks to children or staff, insist council bosses.

Hundreds of older buildings across the country had asbestos in foundations, walls or tiles but can remain safe provided they're not disturbed at all.

A list emerged last month of 26 schools across West Dunbartonshire - effectively all older buildings - that still have the deadly substance in them.

Education officials said they know where the asbestos is in each building and do regular checks to ensure there is no risk.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesman said: “Historic asbestos exists in buildings across Scotland and does not pose any risk to health unless disturbed. We manage asbestos in line with national guidance and carry out regular inspections across our school estate.”

Jackie Baillie MSP urged the SNP-led council to continue the work of the previous Labour administration to replace or refurbish all schools.

She said: “West Dunbartonshire was once known as the asbestos capital of Europe as a result of our shipbuilding heritage and heavy industry. Local people know as well as anyone that we need to do everything possible to protect future generations from the risks of the deadly substance.

“After years of underinvestment, the previous Labour administration started the work of rebuilding and refurbishing the primary school estate. And when the new-build OLSP opens this year, every young person in Dumbarton, Alexandria and Clydebank will be in a modern state-of-the-art high school.

"This report highlights the need to get on with the job Labour started and rebuild or refurbish every school in West Dunbartonshire.”

Clydeside Action on Asbestos (CAA) has called for all schools to be asbestos free by 2040. Speaking before an annual memorial service on Friday for victims of mesothelioma, the group's manager, Phyllis Craig, said they want to raise awareness of Scots still exposed to asbestos in public buildings.

She said: "We know that removing asbestos from all public buildings would be a mammoth and costly task and it is therefore imperative that asbestos in buildings has to be managed with the utmost responsibility and care.

"However, it is a shocking reality that more than 1500 schools and nurseries in Scotland contain asbestos.

"Our priority is to see asbestos removed from all schools and nurseries in Scotland by 2040."

SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES WITH ASBESTOS

Aitkenbar Primary School (Demolition due 2017)

Braehead Primary School and Meadow View EE & CCC

Christie Park Primary School

Dalreoch Primary School

Gartocharn Primary School

Gavinburn Primary School and EE & CCC

Haldane Primary School (to close and merge into new Balloch campus in 2018)

Jamestown Primary School (to close and merge into new Balloch campus in 2018))

Kilpatrick Primary School

Knoxland Primary School

Ladyton Primary School and EE & CCC

Levenvale Primary School

Our Lady & St Patrick's High School (moving to new building Oct 2017)

Renton Primary School

St Joseph's Primary School

St Martin's Primary School & Vale of Leven EE&CCC

St Mary's Primary School (Alexandria)

St Patrick's Primary School

St Ronan's Primary School