Concern for 3RS schools project

There are plans to build several new schools in Aberdeen

Opposition Labour councillors in Aberdeen have warned the city's 3RS school building project could face imminent collapse.

They say the Scottish Government has to commit to bankrolling the plan by June.

The new schools scheme ran into difficulties when the Icelandic bank providing the funds collapsed.

Council leader Kate Dean has been pressed to ask ministers for clarification. The council insisted the project remained on target.

An urgent meeting of the council's business committee was held on Thursday.

Labour group leader Barney Crockett said: "Alex Salmond said Aberdeen would not left in the lurch. It is now imperative that he gives the council the backing it needs at this critical time."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government supports the action by the council to achieve a successful re-financing of the existing Aberdeen schools project and has already made clear to the council that if this is achieved, government funding would remain on the table."