A £1.5 MILLION partnership project to create better access to the West Sands, St Andrews, and improve the appearance of the area around the Bruce Embankment, between the British Golf Museum and the Links Clubhouse, was officially opened yesterday by Fife provost John Simpson.

On behalf of the four partners—Fife Council, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, St Andrews Links Trust and Scottish Enterprise Fife—Provost Simpson said, “This project has come to fruition on time and within budget in advance of the site preparations for the 2005 Open Golf Championship.

“This world-famous location is a major tourist attraction all year round, and it was essential that the project was designed sensitively to blend in with the local environment. It is pleasing to see this partnership project completed to such a high standard.”

The coastal defences were reconstructed and strengthened to support a widened roadway and wide footway. Every effort was made to recycle existing stonework and minimise imported materials.

The bridge over the Swilcan Burn was widened and new parapets erected. Attractive stainless steel parapet railings were installed along the whole beach frontage, along the top of the sea wall and at the Chariots of Fire public viewing area located at the east end.

“The Bruce Embankment is a critical area in the perception of St Andrews,” said Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust. “We are delighted to have co-operated with the other partners in its upgrading and improvement. It is one step further in the process to raise all aspects of St Andrews to a world class level for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.”

Fife Council area transport manager Derek Crowe, chairman of the multi-agency Bruce Embankment Steering Group, thanked the other partner organisations and their representatives on the steering group for their contributions.

He said, “I would also like to praise the consultants Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd, and contractors Raynesway Construction Ltd, for their assistance in delivering a quality product on time and within budget.

“The project is a testament to good team working from all involved and the end result will stand scrutiny for many years.”

He added that the project has been submitted for an award from the Saltire Society.

The Bruce Embankment improvement work is the biggest physical project to date to be completed under the theme of St Andrews World Class.

The private businesses and public agencies involved in St Andrews World Class are said to be delighted with the quality of the finished work.