By Alan Wilson

ST ANDREWS councillor Bill Sangster has moved to prevent further tragic accidents at what has become a notorious black spot at the town cliffs after a young American student plunged 60 feet to his death early yesterday.

Matthew Madison (20) from Montana, who was visiting Scotland with friends from his university in Italy, became the fourth victim in as many years after he climbed on a wall at The Scores shortly before 2 am and fell from the cliffs.

It is believed he died instantly after suffering severe head injuries. Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

There are notices in the area warning of the 60-70 foot drop on to rocks, but one fixed to the wall over which the American clambered had disappeared after being removed by vandals.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, although a report will go to the procurator fiscal in Cupar. It is likely a post mortem will be held before his body can be returned to his family.

Mr Madison was studying engineering at an Italian university. He was with his friends at the time of the accident, which happened opposite Ma Bell’s public house.

Mr Sangster said something must be done to prevent further tragedies.

“I’ve had the transportation people out today to get more signs up and to see if we can get the wall built up a bit or try to get some type of railing on top of the wall, because it’s only five feet,” he said.

“It’s a terrible tragedy and I feel so sorry for the young man’s family and his friends who were involved. It’s time we did something about this.”

Police said there were warning signs and railings near where Mr Madison fell, but they will meet the council today to discuss ways of improving safety.

The problem appears to be that there is a small area of overgrown grass at one end of the five-foot wall. The land tapers in and disappears at the other end, but people can form the impression that there is an area to stand on.

Insp Donald Jenks said Mr Madison had been keen to see the illuminated R&A clubhouse at the golf course after being out with his friends.

“It appears he climbed up on to the wall just at the point where the cliff is and lost his footing,” he said.

“The wall is about five foot high and he apparently climbed up to get a better view over the clubhouse and the course, but then he stumbled and fell over the cliff.

“His friends were understandably very traumatised by the accident and we arranged for them to have counselling this morning.”

Insp Jenks added, “There are warning signs and a set of railings at either side of the wall but I think it’s time we had a look at what we can do to improve safety at that point.

“I’ll be contacting the council and we’ll have a look and see if there’s anything further we can do.”

Mike Robinson, head of Fife Council’s local services, said, “This was a very tragic accident, Our sympathies are with the family and friends of Mr Madison. We will work with police and other relevant authorities to carry out any necessary investigations and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the area is safe.”

Mr Madison was one of a group of around eight students on a tour of Europe and had been in St Andrews for only a couple of days. Following discussions with police, the other members of the party decided to continue their itinerary and have now left for Belgium.

Mr Madison’s body was formally identified by his friends and his family have been informed.

The fire and rescue service and coastguard were involved in the operation to retrieve his body. A helicopter team was alerted and then stood down.

During the Open Championship in St Andrews in July, 31-year-old Derek Blane of Johannesburg, South Africa, died after falling from the cliffs close to the scene of yesterday’s accident.

Other victims in recent years have included an American studying at Edinburgh University, and a St Andrews student.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said 804 people required hospital treatment after falling off cliffs across the UK between 1997 and 2004.

Peter Cornall of RoSPA said cliff edges, darkness and alcohol were a lethal mixture.

“Most of the prevailing winds in the UK are south- westerly so winds on the east coast at Fife would be offshore, making it even more dangerous to go near a cliff edge,” he said.

“People need to be very careful about going near cliffs in the daylight let alone at night time, and it’s clearly not advisable if you’ve had any alcohol.

“Unless you’re an experienced rock climber with a good head for heights … it’s likely you’re going to get dizzy close to the edge.”