Students at St Andrews University have been warned they could be expelled if there is a repeat of last year’s outrageous behaviour during Raisin weekend.

Extra police are set to be drafted into the town over the weekend as hundreds of undergraduates take part in the traditional festivities, which face being outlawed by the university.

University principal and vice-chancellor Dr Brian Lang said behaviour bringing the institution into disrepute will not be tolerated, and students who fail to heed the warning could be “sent down.”

It is also understood Fife Constabulary plan to police the event “robustly” and will arrest students involved in any criminal acts.

Last year’s event was marred by a minority of drunken undergraduates rampaging through the streets and causing untold damage to town and gown relations, with dozens of complaints from townspeople and the business community.

* The heads were bitten off live chickens.

* Tins of beans were poured over innocent townspeople in the street.

* A mother and baby were traumatised by drunken students throwing themselves on her car.

* Students stopped traffic in the town centre.

* Public property—including business signs, street furniture, road and traffic signs—was removed.

There were also stories of female students being held by the hair and having drink poured down their throats, theft, nudity, vandalism, vomiting in the streets, etc.

The principal delivered a strongly-worded Email to the near 7000-strong student community.

The unique programme focuses on the network of the academic family at St Andrews. Each first year is invited to join “a family” of senior students to help them integrate into university life.

Dr Lang said, “We lost the goodwill and respect of many people who live in the town; reports of vandalism and theft soared; and some of our students were hospitalised. Local health and emergency services were stretched to breaking point and lives were endangered. This is not acceptable.

“This year’s event will be closely monitored in the hope that the university and the student community can show that our Raisin traditions are worth preserving.”

He added, “Anyone committing a breach of the peace, theft, vandalism, being in possession of stolen property or being drunk and disorderly can expect to be arrested, charged and subject to the normal processes of law.

“We have not sought and nor do we expect any latitude from the police and public on such matters.”

The president of the students’ association Tom d’Ardenne said, “This year the association has, in collaboration with key members of the town, police and university, developed a stance that has seen a notable shift away from supporting overly inebriated students towards disciplinary action against inappropriate behaviour.

“The reason for this change in policy is in direct response to the failings of last year’s event.

“While it may be less sympathetic towards the student body, it is hoped that this time around it will be calmer, safer and more enjoyable for all.”

While the university executive appreciates that Raisin weekend is very much a student celebration and it is not in its gift to stop it, it has been made clear that if there is a repeat of last year’s “appalling behaviour” steps would be taken to outlaw the programme and make it very difficult for it to continue in its present form.

The university could take a number of measures, including preventing the foam fight climax to the event taking place on university premises, or scheduling lectures, classes or exams if necessary.

The event starts tomorrow night and reaches a climax on Monday when first year students in fancy dress meet in the quadrangle of St Salvator’s College where they are showered with foam and other messy substances.