Highlands MSP makes urgent call on use of pesticides in school playgrounds
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A Scottish Green MSP for the region has written to Highland Council demanding they take urgent action to enforce their policy banning the use of pesticides, including glyphosate, on school playgrounds.
The move comes after reports that glyphosate, a chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, was used at Ullapool Primary School last year, sparking concerns from parents and the wider community.
In her letter, Ariane Burgess states that "exposure to such chemicals, especially in environments where our young ones spend a significant portion of their time, must be minimised to safeguard their health."
She commented: "As an elected representative, it is my duty to prioritise the health and safety of my constituents, especially our most vulnerable members of society - our children.
“The potential risks associated with glyphosate are well documented, and we simply cannot allow our schools to be using such harmful substances.
"Highland Council has a clear policy in place banning the use of pesticides on school playgrounds.
“This policy must be robustly enforced to ensure no glyphosate or other dangerous chemicals are used this year or in the future. Our children's wellbeing must come first.
"I have written to the Council's Chief Executive urging him to take immediate action on this issue and provide assurances that no glyphosate will be used in our schools.
“I look forward to a prompt response and concrete steps being taken to address this unacceptable situation."
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “In 2019, the council agreed a partial ban on the use of glyphosate in certain areas including all sports and recreation facilities.
“This applied to children’s play areas where it is the council’s policy that glyphosate would not be used.
“Glyphosate remains a licenced product in the UK, the current expiry date is December 2025.
“Its use is strictly controlled to manage weeds and invasive species of plants that are affecting infrastructure of paths and buildings.”
