SOUTH Ayrshire Council spent nearly 30k removing vermin from schools. 

The shocking figures see SAC spend £29,464 on removing the pests from schools all across the authority. 

Analysis of the numbers shows that between 2011-2016, more than £1.5million was spent across the country controlling the likes of cockroaches, flies, rats and ants in schools.

South Ayrshire’s figure is fairly small compared to the mammoth £59,473.84 spent by North Ayrshire Council in the same time span on the same problems. 

East Ayrshire has the lowest number, with EAC only spending £10,455 - a whole £19,009 less than neighbours in South Ayrshire. 

Year by year the breakdown in South Ayrshire is: 
2011 - £5,290; 2012 - £4,470; 2013 - £5,155; 2014 - £5,547; 2015 - £4,258; 2016 - £4,744.

The statistics show that nine out of 32 councils, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, East Lothian, Midlothian, East Dumbartonshire, West Lothian, Falkirk, East Renfrewshire, and Eilean Siar, have not spent any money on this issue in the last six years. 

Glasgow was shown to have paid out the most on pest control – spending £132,919 during 2012 alone – and £460,893 between 2011-2015.

The Scottish Conservatives have called for ministers to do more to ensure every child in Scotland can receive education without worrying about pest infestation.

Scottish Conservative schools spokesman Ross Thomson said: “Given how much is spent each year, these statistics reveal a genuine problem with vermin in Scottish schools.

“Parents and teachers will quite rightly be disgusted at the thought of children being educated in unhygienic environments.

“It’s important for youngsters to be attending a school that is both clean and suitable if they are to reach their true potential during their time in education.”

Mike Newall, Head of Neighbourhood Servicesm said:”South Ayrshire Council is committed to providing the best possible learning environment for children and young people.

“Having to deal with vermin in our schools is not common but when it does occur we make tackling the issue and the safety of pupils and staff a priority.

“Not only do we deal with the vermin, but we take action to ensure the school does not have any more issues, this can range from identifying any works that are necessary at the school to information and advice.”