The top of a towering chimney stack at the former paper mill in Guardbridge has been brought a little closer to the ground after emergency works got under way to secure its structural integrity.
Around 45 metres (146 feet) in height, the listed structure, which dominates the skyline, is to be capped at 30 metres (98 feet).
The decision to trim it back was made after site management personnel became aware of debris falling from the upper reaches earlier this year. A structural assessment commissioned by the joint administrators found the chimney to be unsafe, with serious questions raised over its structural integrity.
An even greater warning was to come in May when an additional survey was carried out and stated that if the stack was left in its present condition its collapse would be “inevitable.”
Scaffolding has been in place around the upper section for weeks as contractors remove brickwork. They said a long-term solution still needs to be discussed but reducing the height is a suitable solution in the meantime.
In 2008 Curtis Fine Papers ended its long-running operation at Guardbridge with more than 250 jobs lost. Since then the chimney and adjoining boiler house have lain unused.
However, in June a new lease of life was injected into the sprawling site when it was revealed that St Andrews University had reached an agreement with administrator KPMG to purchase the mill for an undisclosed amount.
The university said it is considering a variety of mixed-use options at Guardbridge including renewable energy, housing, community use, accommodation for spin-out companies and additional space for university schools and service units.