The chimney attached to the eastern wing of Penicuik High School is set to be taken down after engineers raised concerns that its present condition could endanger construction workers and the public during the ongoing refurbishment of the 1930s building.
Safety concerns prompt listed building consent application
As part of the £55.3million project to modernise and extend the school, consulting engineers brought in by main contractor Morrison Construction have been monitoring the structure during fortnightly site inspections. Their findings have led Midlothian Council to seek Listed Building Consent to remove the chimney and replace the affected roof area with slates.
“Based on the current condition of the chimney breast and the timber roof trusses in this area Etive are concerned about the stability of the chimney breast.”
The report from engineering firm Etive sets out specific worries about the timber roof trusses that previously helped restrain the chimney. Inspectors concluded the existing timber roof construction does not provide an adequate load path to stabilising walls and therefore cannot reliably hold the chimney in the event of strong winds.
What the project will deliver and the timetable
| Project element | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall scheme value | £55.3million |
| Original building | 1930s Category B listed east wing |
| New extension | Replacement for 1960s block; modern, energy-efficient design |
| Pupil capacity | Up to 945, including 24 ASN places |
| Pupil decant and return | Pupils moved to alternative facilities in 2025; return expected spring 2028 |
The proposals form part of a broader restoration which will see the original fabric refurbished and a new extension take the place of the 1960s accommodation. Pupils were decanted last year while work proceeds, with an anticipated return in spring 2028.
Local impact and practical implications
Removing a chimney on a listed building draws both conservation and safety considerations. The application to planners must reconcile the need to safeguard operatives and the public with statutory duties to protect the historic character of the school. If consent is granted, the immediate effect will be focused on site operations and the roofline of the east wing; the replacement of the chimney with slate will be a discrete intervention within the overall redevelopment.
- Health and safety: Engineers judged the chimney a risk due to inadequate restraint from roof timbers.
- Heritage: The building is Category B listed, so works require formal consent.
- Education: The wider project will increase capacity and upgrade facilities, including provisions for additional support needs.
Council planning documents and the listed building consent application will set out the exact method of removal and details of materials to be used for repair. Local residents and interested parties will be able to view the application and supporting reports via the council’s planning portal.
The removal of the chimney is a relatively small but necessary step in a high-value project that aims to provide modern facilities while retaining and repairing the historic core of Penicuik High School.
