Olympic torch lights up St Andrews

At 6.30 on Wednesday morning a crowd thick with school pupils, parents and students assembled in St Salvator’s Quad to observe the passing of the Olympic torch as it made its way through St Andrews.

The Olympic torch, symbolising the theft of fire by Prometheus, was carried along North and South Street before proceeding to West Sands where the famous Chariots of Fire scene was reenacted by pupils of Madras College.

The torch was bagpiped into Sallies quad before University Principal Louise Richardson, Fife Provost Jim Leishman and University Chancellor and former Olympian Menzies Campbell massed on stage to light the torch.

Mr Leishman spoke of his pride that the torch should be passing through Fife and Louise Richardson managed, via a series of segues, to lace her brief speech with 600th Anniversary propaganda: “St Andrews University is older than most organisations in the country but is not as old as the Olympics.”

A relay-race around the Quad was won by St Leonards primary school before the assembled crowd was invited to participate in a series of Zumba and Cheerleading workouts.

Master of Ceremonies (and incoming Association President) Freddie Fforde seemed particularly to have enjoyed the Zumba performance: “Thank you Lauren…I’ll be doing that one in my room later.”

Paul Mason, one of the torchbearers, said running his 300m section along South Street was “an experience of a lifetime, it went by much too fast.”

Maureen MacIsaac, third year student, also enjoyed her morning “It’s great. I love Canada.”

The Olympic torch relay brought staff, students and townspeople together for an early morning celebration of the Olympics, St Andrews and nationwide community-spirit in general.

More photos coming soon.

Photos: ©  Alan Richardson