School for sale but 'breathing equipment needed to get in'

A former primary school has been put up for sale with a £100,000 price tag – and a warning that prospective buyers will not be able to see inside without specialist breathing equipment.

Tranent Infant School has lain empty for more than a decade after closing its doors in 2007.

East Lothian Council has ruled that the Category B listed building is surplus to requirements and listed it for sale.

But the sales notice warns interested parties that internal viewing is “generally not permitted”.

An internal report on the condition of the building, which looked at the presence of mould, will be provided to potential buyers along with an asbestos survey.

The local authority warns anyone interested in going inside the school, which was built in 1890, that all visitors will need to provide their own Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

It says: “RPE to be worn by site visitors during any viewing will be based on the viewers, or their employers risk assessment on the hazards outlined and identified within the IOM mould survey report.

“East Lothian Council will not grant any viewings to anyone without the appropriate level of RPE.”

Tranent Infant School has been at the centre of local concern for a number of years after becoming a magnet to local youths.

Two years ago, local councillor Colin McGinn said work was under way to bring the school, which he described as ‘iconic’, back into use to help provide additional early learning hours in the town.

However, it is understood that a review of the schools estate carried out by the local authority since then ruled the building no longer required.

The school, which is off Sandersons Wynd in the town, lies just outside the Tranent Conservation area.

By local democracy reporter Marie Sharp