Traditional ale lifts St Andrews' spirits

St Andrews University students, noted for upholding centuries' old traditions, have hit the headlines for trying to uphold the traditions of drinking and demonstrating.

Several hundred students took to the town's streets to protest against a decision by the local licensing board not to renew the student union's late licence.

Last orders would be at 11.45pm rather than an hour later. Five students were arrested for alleged offenses including jumping on to cars and climbing on to roofs, vandalising a phone box and urinating in the street.

Fife police superintendent Bob Thomson said disturbances on various occasions gave the police no option but to make the case against late licences in "certain establishments". Students claim they are being victimised.