An MSP has raised concerns over Asbestos in Irvine and Kilwinning schools, after figures show the deadly substance could still be present in 42 schools across the district.

Research has found that asbestos was used in 1,638 schools in Scotland and in 30 out of 32 local authorities.

Asbestos was used in the second half of the 20th century as a cheap, fire-proof substances however, it was later found that inhaling Asbestos fibres could result in lung cancer up to 50 years after exposure.

West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene said: “The report is alarming.

“42 of our schools could contain this deadly substance which could have devastating consequences.

“This is an immediate priority for the Scottish Government – they need to assess which schools at risk and remove the threat.

“I will be writing to Deputy First Minister John Swinney and lodging parliamentary questions on the matter.

“North Ayrshire needs immediate answers from the Scottish Government and to be made sure that their children are safe attending these schools.

“If these schools are found to contain Asbestos then I would expect a clear plan of action on the matter.

“Simply passing the buck to local authorities is not good enough.

“This matter is devolved to the Scottish Government and they should be taking the lead on addressing this concern.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our young people and staff is a priority for the Council.

“We understand that MSP Jamie Greene’s press release may cause alarm. But we would like to ensure all parents, carers, pupils and, of course, our staff that we take the issue extremely seriously and take thorough and robust measures to ensure their health is never compromised.

“We follow a strict asbestos inspection and management regime, in the relevant schools, in line with statutory guidelines.

“We are also investing heavily in developing new schools across North Ayrshire and since 2012 have carried out asbestos removal work in 30 of our existing schools.”

The affected schools listed as having Asbestos are as follows:

•Abbey Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Annick Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Corsehill Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Glebe Primary School

•Haysholm School

•Irvine Royal Academy

•Kilwinning Academy

•Loudoun Montgomery Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Pennyburn Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Springside Primary School & Early Years Centre

•St John Ogilvie Primary School & Early Years Centre

•St Luke’s Primary School & Early Years Centre

•St Mark’s Primary School & Early Years Centre

•St Winning’s Primary School & Early Years Centre

•Stanecastle School & Early Years Centre

• Whitehirst Park Primary School