“St Andrews world class already” says Brocklebank

Scottish Conservative Party Press Release, 30 September 2004

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Ted Brocklebank has added his voice to those questioning plans to promote St Andrews as world class.

The Conservative MSP said he had no objections to the ‘World Class’ website, but was concerned over the ultimate agenda of the project and who was setting it.

The site was set up by Scottish Enterprise Fife, working closely with Fife Council, the Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board, the University of St Andrews, the St Andrews Links Trust and local businesses.

Said Mr Brocklebank “I think St Andrews is already world class. It is the home of golf. Its university is amongst the UK’s top ten. Its hotels and restaurants, and local cultural attractions such as the Byre Theatre, are all excellent and it has one of the most favourable climates in Scotland.

“We should resist misguided policies which could destroy the very things that make St Andrews unique. The bland uniformity imposed by Fife Council on the physical shape of the town, with honourable exceptions like College Street, hardly suggests that they should be involved in decision relating to ‘world class’.

“St Andrews has many publics – golfers, students and visitors from other parts of Scotland as well as international tourists. It also has a vibrant and discriminating local populace.

“I have no objection per se to the aspirations proposed on the ‘World Class’ website. The organisations listed in the promotional partnership have solid credentials. What concerns me is the ultimate agenda and who is setting it.

“The factors that set St Andrews have taken over a thousand years to create. Perhaps those wishing to foist ‘world class’ upon us would confide which international communities of around 20,000 match their descriptions. Local residents must be given full opportunity to judge whether that is what we wish St Andrews to become”.