The controversial male-only Kate Kennedy Club has held its first procession through St Andrews since voting to accept women.
Thousands of people thronged the streets on Saturday to watch the annual parade organised by the university club, which is seen as one of the highlights of the town and gown calendar.
The event sees St Andrews University’s 600-year history brought to life as students in costume portray notable characters from across the centuries. It purports to herald the start of spring and is billed as an everlasting symbol of youth and hope.
Niece of the founder of St Salvator’s College, Lady Katherine Kennedy is the central figure in the procession and ‘appeared’ in an open, horse-drawn 18th century carriage decorated with hundreds of daffodils.
Lady Kate is traditionally portrayed by a first-year club member, whose identity is kept secret.
This year’s parade followed months of upheaval for the club which finally voted to accept women for the first time in its 86-year history last month.
Although women have always taken part in the parade, they were barred from becoming members of the society.
The university cut ties with it in 2009 saying its values were at odds with the institution.
However, the club has now said it will accept applications from any first-year student, whether male or female, in the next academic year.
The move prompted by the break-away of a number of club members to form the inclusive Kate Kennedy Fellowship brings to an end more than eight decades of discrimination.
It has been welcomed by university principal Louise Richardson, who had previously criticised the club for its anti-female stance.
The controversy along with a flurry of snow did not deter spectators however, and the parade passed without incident and was declared a success.Click here for a full photo galleryKate Kennedy Club president Thomas Pye said: ”This is a time for everyone town, gown and visitors to come together in celebration of all that makes St Andrews so special and unique.
”The Kate Kennedy procession has long been part of the shared history of St Andrews and we look forward to it continuing to be an occasion in which all can partake.”