Fife Council’s selection of Pipeland for the new Madras College has caused bitter divisions in St Andrews.
Everyone knows that a new school is needed as soon as possible for the town’s children, who have put up with the deteriorating condition of the split campuses at South Street and Kilrymont Road for far too long.
More than a decade has passed since the community – which has a university of international renown – was promised a school it could be proud of.
Many pupils who thought they would be among the first to enjoy the new classrooms now know they will never take lessons in them.
But for many in the town the need to protect the ancient burgh’s green belt was overriding.
Now, there is no argument over Pipeland, the option is no more.
Fife Council must find somewhere else to build Madras and with several years lost, it knows it will need to find it quickly.
Sites are being looked at and it is understood discussions are taking place once more over land owned by the University of St Andrews.
An update on the Madras ‘saga’ is due to be given mid-December.
Let’s hope it brings some good news for the schoolchildren of St Andrews who have seen several other Fife schools built while they are still some years from seeing a brick laid.