An iconic green will escape becoming a blanket of white as St Andrews University’s traditional foam fight flits for the first time.
The Raisin Monday spectacle, which has its roots in the early days of the 600-year-old seat of learning, has always been staged in St Salvator’s Quadrangle with the chapel its backdrop.
However, due to a £685,000 redevelopment of the quad this year it will be held on nearby Lower College Lawn.
Each year hundreds of students descend on the historic courtyard for the foam frenzy, covering each other from head to toe in white.
The unique event is the finale of Raisin Weekend and celebrates the forming of academic families where new student ‘children’ are taken under the wing of senior student ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’.
It evolved from a tradition whereby senior students were given a pound of raisins by new students in gratitude for helping them adapt to university life.
In return they would be given a receipt written in Latin and failure to produce their receipt could result in a dousing in the local fountain – a ‘punishment’ now replaced by the foam fight.
On Raisin Sunday children bring gifts to their mothers and fathers and celebrations go on through the night.
In previous years, however, alcohol-fuelled high jinks have prompted complaints from members of the public.
Students have already been warned by police that anti-social behaviour will be taken seriously and action taken if necessary.
The University of St Andrews Students’ Association has also urged participants to behave responsibly.
A spokesman advised: “Have a fantastic time but remember that this weekend is about much more than just drinking, it’s about making the friends you could keep for life and taking part in one of the traditions that makes St Andrews entirely unique.
“Please make sure that everyone involved in your Raisin can look back on the weekend fondly.
“Let’s protect the tradition for years to come.”
On Monday students in fancy dress will gather as usual at the entrance to the quad on North Street but will be shepherded along the outside perimeter of the quad to enter the lawn from its north-east side.
Foam will fly from 11am.