Scottish universities and colleges face fire checks in wake of Bolton student accommodation blaze

Scottish universities and colleges are being ordered to ensure all their student accommodation is safe following a blaze in Bolton.

Hundreds of students fled the huge fire at a six-storey block with external cladding nine days ago.

One eyewitness described the blaze as “crawling up the cladding like it was nothing”.

UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has written to English universities asking them to review their fire safety procedures and to report back to him by Saturday.

The Scottish Funding Council will also ask universities and colleges here to confirm their fire safety procedures and safeguards.

The Scottish Government said: “People’s safety is our primary concern which is why the Scottish Funding Council has agreed to ministers’ requests to write to all colleges and universities seeking assurances that buildings used for student accommodation have been subject to fire safety assessment.

“The cause of the fire in Bolton is still being investigated by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

“Although we already have stringent regulations in place, the Scottish Government will also review the investigation’s findings closely and take any necessary steps to maintain safety.”

After the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people, concerns were raised about cladding on buildings.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the Bolton blaze raised questions about cladding on buildings that are not classed as high-rises.

Mr Williamson said in his letter: “Building regulations and fire safety regulations are clearly set out and the importance of adherence to building regulations and fire safety was reinforced by the Grenfell tragedy.”