5.9.1 Later on the same day of this meeting, 8th April 2016, a representative of ESP wrote to the Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council formally confirming the information that they had previously provided at the meeting. The key paragraphs of this letter read as follows:
"Shortly before noon today we were advised by the design and build contractor who is executing the remedial works at Oxgangs Primary and St. Peter's Primary that it had discovered serious defects as a result of which it has advised that these schools are no longer safe to occupy. Representatives of the Council were advised of the position this afternoon at a meeting with ourselves and the design and build contractor."
"At present, it is impossible to confirm whether the same defect may exist at the other Estate (PPP1) buildings. In these circumstances, we are afraid that we have no option but to withdraw the confirmation contained in our letter of 5 April 2016 that the Estate buildings identified in the letter are safe for occupancy."
(The list of buildings identified in the letter of 5 April included all the PPP1 schools).
5.9.2 The Leader of the Council told the Inquiry in evidence that, when he inquired as to whether closure of the schools was the only course of action available, he was advised that there were no alternative options to the decision to close all schools. This decision was then ratified by the Leader of the Council.
5.9.3 Due to the legal implications for moving vulnerable young people, priority was given to the carrying out of further inspections of Howdenhall Secure Unit. These inquiries identified the fact that it was generally of a different construction to the schools and was considered safe for occupancy apart from the gymnasium, which would require similar remedial work to that required on the schools in relation to wall ties. The gymnasium was closed and isolated until the remedial work had been completed so that no residents were put at risk.